According to the advertising,

June 19th is Father's day.

A day to honor the men in our lives.
 

With Father's day rapidly approaching, many North Americans will be thinking about getting a card or present for that special man in our lives.our fathers.  But sadly, for some of us,  Father's day is a day of sorrow and remembrance of  fathers no longer with us.

I remember watching the hot tears flowing freely down my mom's unbelieving face as we gathered to pay tribute to my dad Ronald Howard Hooey that February in 1999.  I watched, as she seemed to shrink before my eyes under the weight of her grief.  I listened as person after person got up to share stories of how much Dad had meant to them, and how he had impacted their lives.  I wondered, did they ever tell Dad of their admiration and love? 

As I got up to share my thoughts and to honour my dad, I was overwhelmed with the loss of the man who had been my hero when I was very young.  The man who had chosen to be my dad by adopting me those many years ago.  The man who had modeled love in everything he did and in how he treated my mom, my sister and myself.  The man who always seemed to have time for me, despite his own busy schedule; to talk, to challenge and to discipline when I needed it (and I did quite often during my teen years). 

The man who was my champion, who had always been in my corner, believing in me, encouraging me and loving me, regardless of how I was progressing.   

The man who had, the night before he passed away on his 82^nd birthday, called me to tell me how much he loved me and how proud he was of me!  I was so glad I 'd had the chance to tell him often how much he had meant to me over the past 10 years, and that the last words I'd said to him were, "Luv you Pop!"  

My challenge to children across North America is not to wait until it is too late.  If you love your father, don't wait until Father's day or worse after he cannot hear you.  TELL HIM NOW, and tell him often!  Dad, you are still my hero!  

Note: My dad passed away on Feb 11^th, 1999.  He was 82.  He was very special to me. He served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during WWII (he didn't talk about the war much, but I know the experience impacted him deeply.) He was proud to do his part in keeping us safe and standing up for democracy.

With the 60th anniversary of VE day just behind us... I would like to remind you that Fathers' day is not the only day to express your love and admiration for the men who have made a difference in your lives: Your fathers, sons, brothers, cousins, co-workers, coaches, teachers and buddies. Tell them now and tell them often! You'd be surprised how many men never hear how much they have meant to the people in their lives.  

Here is how you can get your own copy or several. "Dad, You're Still My Hero!" retails for $9.95 plus tax and S&H, but I offer it on-site for $10 when I am speaking. Net proceeds from the sale of this and my other 'Tell Them Now!' series goes to Heart Research.

Simply send me a check or money order for $10.00 each and I'll pop one in the mail for you. Order a few and share them with those men who have made a difference in your lives.

Send your order to: Ideas At Work!                                                                         
 #10, Creativity Corner                                                                                                  
Egremont, AB T0A 0Z0
Make checks payable to Ideas At Work!

PS: The first 10 orders will also receive a copy of 'Thanks Mom! - A gratitude journal for the special women in our lives. My gift to you. For more information on our publications visit: www.lifedesignsystems.com