I remember past Father’s Day celebrations well. Mom would buy dad something he asked for while us kids would use his money (our allowance) to buy him something I am positive he not only didn’t want, but didn’t need as well. Sure, I know…it’s the thought that counts. Unfortunately, the only thought I have about those particular days centers around the astonishment I have that dad could keep a straight face after opening our gifts, much less offer up a gracious “thank you” as he always did. I remember one year in particular I bought dad a pen. Not an executive pen, mind you, but a ball point pen. It was made of plastic and proudly displayed the “Bic” label in bold blue letters.
I was too young to know we had several of them in a desk drawer, and for all dad knew, that’s probably where I obtained it. The following years brought a multitude of neckties, socks or wallets, only to change to neckties, socks and wallets when I got my first real job. Nothing says “thanks for being the world’s greatest dad” like a pile of mundane gifts, with the possible exception of a “worlds greatest...