Had to fit Bear Bait into a new life jacket.  He’s grown so much just in two years that he can’t fit into his old one.  Surprised both of us.  Doesn’t seem that long ago, but 4 is a whole lot smaller than 6 (and a half, he’d remind me).   Ain’t that how it always goes?

Last night, Momma asked me what I wanted for Father’s Day and it took me a little by surprise.  I haven’t really thought on it much.  Truth is, I have everything I want.  There’s no gizmo, gadget, or gee-gaw that I’ve had my eye on.  All I want is to take my two boys out somewhere green and alive.  Watch them laugh and run and throw as they see God’s most beautiful places for the first time.  I want to watch them fight over burning marshmallows while sparks float up to disappear amidst stars they’d never see from their back yard.   Have them wake up smelling of woodsmoke and wild-eyed to do it all again.

I want to spend the kind of days with them that etch so deeply in their soul that the memories seep out through crayons and remember-when stories.   That’s the Father’s day I want. . .

. . . and so far I’ve packed, unpacked, and repacked three times already.  Just so I don’t leave anything behind.  Just so it’ll be perfect for them.