Father's Day: A Journal of Love and Gratitude ❤️🏈🏕️

Let's celebrate and appreciate Dads, Grandparents, and Papas on Father's Day and every day.

Hello, fellow travelers, fathers, and all who care about their children,

Let’s take this opportunity to celebrate all our dads, grandpas, papas, and those special people who gave us the gift of life, raised us and loved us unconditionally. I am profoundly grateful for my Dad and feel fortunate to be a father.

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Can we get a round of applause for all the dads out there? 👏👏

Father's Day | © Kacey Carpenter

Father’s Day History

Father’s Day falls on the third Sunday of June. This year, it’s on Sunday, June 16, 2024.

Our first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in Washington. However, it was not until 1972—58 years after President Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day official—that the day honoring fathers became a nationwide holiday in the United States.

A Message of Love and Appreciation

This week, I miss and appreciate my Dad, aka Papa. He gave me so much with countless expressions of love and life lessons, from teaching me to play football to loaning me some cash to get my first dog, Shelly. I repaid this small loan mowing the grass and edging with the handclippers. I learned valuable lessons about hard work, caring for pets, and gardening.

My Dad had a great sense of humor. Everyone knew it, except me, until I grew up, had my own family, and learned an important lesson later in life. He enjoyed telling dad jokes and teasing me with one-liners. “Is the refrigerator running? You better catch it before it gets away.” He loved being our dad and used to call me JR or Junior since I was Ken Carpenter Jr with my nickname Kacey (KC) sticking after all these years.

His patience during the rocky periods of my life, when I was a teenager seeking adventure and sometimes trouble, demonstrated his unconditional love.

He was always there for me, and our family, and I learned how to be a dad thanks to his model, support, and just being there.

As I drink my coffee I think about all the times we shared a cup of coffee and a conversation. I love you and miss you, Dad. I would not be the father I am today without your love, guidance, and support.

The Importance of Being a Dad

Being a dad is the most significant role I have ever undertaken. It is a privilege and a responsibility that I deeply value. The time I spend with my children is precious, and I strive to be the best father I can be. It is a journey, filled with love, joy, and immense rewards. And, something I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world.

As a father, I’ve learned to cherish every minute, hour, and day with passion, enthusiasm, and love. From when they were young, picking up after school or playing sports, our family vacations and adventures, and the time we spent reading books together, diving into the magical world of Harry Potter, each moment and memory is precious.

As they grew into teenagers and adults, I had the privilege of traveling to cheer at high school and college sports events, sharing in their triumphs and challenges. I stood proud at their graduations, and my daughter’s wedding, and witnessed their transition from children to adults. I celebrated their achievements as they embarked on their journeys through medical school, law school, and beyond.

Looking ahead, I am excited about the many years to come, living my dream role as a dad and perhaps one day as a Papa too! Each day brings new opportunities to create memories and moments; to laugh, learn, and love.

So here’s to all the Dads, live each day with passion, enthusiasm, and love. Happy Father’s Day! 🎉