Jane and I, having no one to call on this day, went out to our favorite pub and lifted a glass to the two men who made us what we are…faults and all: they were remarkable individuals. Jane’s dad grew up on a ranch, my dad grew up on rural streets, on his own, except for an uncle and aunt. And they developed character and grit, both—were much on the out of doors. Jane’s dad was about horses and flying in the aviation pioneer sense…my dad was about hiking and fishing and wild country, and both of them were good carpenters when they needed to be, and taught us the skills. They’d have liked each other. We cherish happy memories on such a day.

Everyone who has a father in reach of a phone call, as ours no longer are, take advantage of the chance if you possibly can.