A message about fathers day..

[Geoff]

Life is fragile. SO fragile.

If your lucky to still have your Dad - let him know what he means to you (if it's good!). No one knows when his time is up.

If you're not lucky enough to have your Dad around - remember the good times and laughter you shared.

If you're a Dad - cherish your kids and live every day like it's your last.

If you're a Dad to be - love your partner and tell him/her how much she means to you, every day, life is is bloody short.

If the memories aren't so great of your Dad, think of the person you love the most right now and tell them.

Also - openly discuss organ donation and your personal feelings about this - you never know when decisions may need to be made about this somewhat delicate topic.

Sorry to put a downer on fathers day, it's not meant to be a depressing post, just a thought provoker.


</end philosphical rant>

[Patrolman Pat]

I can feel the emotion in this post Geoff.
I lost my dad 11 years ago, he was only 56, as you said life can be fragile.
Good onya for raising the topic of organ donation, it's something we should all think about and discuss with our loved ones. My partner and I are both registered organ donors, hopefully one day we can help someone lead a fuller and better life after we are gone.
Happy Father's Day, Dad.

[christiand]

Good on ya Geoff,

everyone appreciate and love your dad if you can and if he is gone due to age, sickness or other reasons remember the good times.
I had a lovley call from my daughter today and we went and had a lovely dinner.
I had a great time with wife and daughter and I appreciate that a lot.
All fathers - I hope you had a great day.

Thanks Geoff,
CD

[Kyle]

Powerful words Geoff, Thank you for posting.

I spent fathers day with my fiancee' and brother @ dad's place today. Had a wonderful seafood bbq.
Though I couldn't help but stop and think about my sister who did not spend the day with us. They had a fairly serious argument about 3 months ago now, and she absolutely refuses to have anything to do with him. Won't say she's sorry, blames it all on him.
It's so disheartening to think that one day, my sister might miss out on telling dad that she loves him. He won't be around forever..

[christiand]

Good night all fathers.

All fathers - have an exquisite night, a great sleep and all the best to you.
I'm going to bed now and tomorrow I hope the day will be great for all of you.

Good night,
CD

[Bluebell]

Thanks for that timely thought Geoff. I lost my Dad when I was 17 and he was only 43. You are right, life can be short. Maybe we should have celebrated our Dads by posting our favorite image of them. Good thought for next year perhaps.

[Bindii]

Oh thats so nicely written Geoff and truer words are seldom spoken.. My Dad is currently away on a caravan trip around Australia and I really missed him not being here this year as we alays get together on fathers day and have lunch etc.. it seemed odd to have to make do with a phone call...

I also try and spend time with all those that I love not just on 'their special days'... as you said life is too short and we never know whats aound the corner...

[Reschsmooth]

Great thoughts, Geoff.

I know I have to catch myself in my thoughts at times: my father was diagnosed with leukaemia two years ago. He went into remission very quickly (particularly for a 63 year old, as he was then). He relapsed early this calendar year and has now gone back into remission, for which we are immensely greatful to his fighting spirit, the support his wife (my mum) has given him, the help of the skillful oncology team at Westmead and whatever other forces are out there helping him. He is now getting ready for a bone marrow transplant in a couple of months.

Anyway, with a 12 week old at home, and getting home from work (for me) in time to start cooking dinner, my father would often call, just to say "hi" right when I am cooking (which is basically the same time every night). This would annoy me at times (just feeling exasperated), and then I would think: "at least he can call", and try to ignore the insignificant and more often than not petty pressures we put ourselves under.

[stubbsy]

Good thoughts Geoff.

And for those of you who want to be organ donors but haven't taken the time - it's easy you can do it online at https://www2.medicareaustralia.gov.au/p ... ration.jsp

Or for more details click HERE

[BT*ist]

Good sentiments, all.

And Happy Fathers Day (yes, one day late - but the point isn't it?)

[ATJ]

I very much agree with the idea of organ donation and both my wife and I signed up some time ago. The fragility of life should be remembered and what better way to celebrate someone's life than to help to preserve or improve someone else's life?

Father's Day doesn't have much meaning for me. My dad died 27 years ago (when I was 10) and we don't have any kids. While my dad had not been well, his death was not expected - life is fragile.

[Ant]

Thanks for that timely thought Geoff. I lost my Dad when I was 17 and he was only 43. You are right, life can be short. Maybe we should have celebrated our Dads by posting our favorite image of them. Good thought for next year perhaps.

Had to respond to this post and especially this comment. All you dads, get out from behind the camera and into at least some of the photos... My Dad was an avid photographer (I was developing and printing film by the time I was eight) who died just before my ninth birthday. I have one (Yes 1) decent photo of him!

Ant.

[ozimax]

Great posts, thanks to Geoff for starting things off.

My dad died when I was 3 yo, he was only 38. He too was an avid photographer - in fact I still have his beautiful Voightlander in my possession. As has also been stated, and unfortunately, he was only ever behind the lens, not in front, alas many photos of me but none of him!

I'm almost always away from home on FD, this year was no exception. Upon my return home last week from a Victorian trip my 4 (grown) kids presented me with a brand new match Sherrin footy to kick around my local park here in Coffs. What a gift!

A belated happy fathers' day to all the dads out there!

Time to stop reminiscing.....