My father was killed during WWII when I was two years old. During my childhood, I watched my friends as they shared time and fun with their fathers and I always wondered how that felt. When we played sports, their Dads often played with us and took the time to coach them in every sport we played. I never had that experience.
When ballgames were played, their fathers were in the stands. My father was never there..
As we got older and had questions about growing up they had someone to talk to. I had no one to talk to. Going fishing together or going to sports events together was not possible. I never talked to anyone about how I felt because I knew there was no way they could understand my feelings.
The strange thing about having a father I never met was how close I felt to him. I asked my relatives and people that knew him about Dad to understand who he was and what he was. I studied World War II history and the Battle of the Bulge where he was killed. I watched hours of history video and even several movies about the war trying to understand the circumstances when he died. My mother talked to me often about him on personal basis.
After all the questions and knowing the history of this man, I found myself being proud and happy that I was his son. I found it was okay to talk to him from time to time and share my thoughts and problems. I even ask what would you do if you were me? The answers never came quickly but, now and then, I swear I got an answer from him.
I am writing this out of respect to his memory. I know my father lost a lot more than I did. His sacrifice caused him to loose his dreams. He lost a future with the woman he loved. He never got to see any of his four children grow up, graduate or get married . He never had the chance to share in their lives.or meet his grandchildren or great grandchildren.
Only when I had my own children did I realize what Fathers Day means to a father. It is a special time when my children share their favorite childhood memories with me. They openly express their feelings that sometimes they forget to say. It is confirmation that being their father is really special to them. It is a day when I feel even closer to my children and my heart and soul smile with joy.
If you are lucky enough to have a father call him or contact him by email or even better, go see him. You will make his day. If you do not have a father, tell your Mom you love her for playing both roles in your life. Tell her how important she has been to you. She will rejoice in hearing it. Moms and Dads are special. They will not be around forever. Enjoy and take advantage of every moment.
God bless our fathers!
Noel Ison
6/1/2023
