The Gift of Presence: A Father's Day Reflection

This is one of my all-time favorite photos. It’s me and my dad on my wedding day in 2019.

Many of us have pictures like this of momentous days in our lives. To me, this photo is especially important because my dad, like many dads, wasn’t just there for me on days like this. He was also there on all the less memorable, boring, and hard days when I knew I had given him a lot of grief.

If I chose one word that comes to mind most when I think of growing up with him, that would be present.

My dad gave me the greatest gift anyone could give: his time.

As we celebrate Father’s Day this weekend, I want to remember that we all have that gift, whether we are fathers or not. And to be mindful of where and how that time is spent.

In today’s world of endless distractions, I am incredibly grateful for my father’s presence and all the father-like figures I’ve had in my life.

Like most holidays, we also want to remember that this day can bring on complicated feelings of loss or sadness for some. For that reason, we can always be kinder.

If you are a father or celebrating a father this weekend, we are thankful for you and the vital role you serve.

Happy Father’s Day.

Chase Kerby, CFP®, AIF® is a Senior Advisor with Rather & Kittrell.