Guten Tag Sweet Friends!

Yesterday was Father’s Day. It’s a very bittersweet holiday for me. The father I thought I knew is gone, and I choose not to celebrate him. That said, I have many other father’s in my life that I do choose to celebrate!!!

The first one is of course my first husband and baby-daddy Art Davis. We have known each other since junior high school. We grew up together in the same church and have the same friends from high school and college. We know more about each other than anyone else on this planet will ever know! Not sure that’s a good thing! 🙂 He is a wonderful father, mentor, ex-husband, and friend. I’m so very grateful he is still in my life and that I can celebrate him every year!

I also celebrated Joe Hinson yesterday. Joe was my second father in many ways. I worked for Joe for 20 years at FedEx and he remains one of the smartest, funniest, kindest and honest men I have ever known. He raised the bar for all other men in my life, and I remain thankful that I was a part of his life until his death this past October. I was there with him when he died and that means more to me than showing up for a funeral. He took care of me like I was his own and that is saying a lot.

I also celebrated Tom Maeda, my Hanai father in Hawaii. Tom is also one of the gentlest, most humble, easy-going, generous, kindest men I’ve ever known. He ranks right up there with Joe Hinson and he too raises the bar very high. He always made me feel so welcome in his home and in his family. He is a man of few words but his kind eyes and gentle laugh speaks volumes to me. He is content to be in the background, but he hears everything. At close to 80 years old, he continues to work as an optometrist and is well-respected by his colleagues, friends and family.

And, last but not least, I celebrated my brother Jay. Jay and I don’t see each other but once a year and we don’t talk very often, but when we are together it is like no time has passed at all. We have a very comfortable relationship. I am proud of the man he has become. He is content and that makes me happy.

I cherish these men who have been a part of my life for many years. I thank them for their contributions to my life and for their constant and unwavering support and unconditional love. That my friends is something to celebrate!

Ciao!