Perls of Paulette AZ in June, 2005

Father's Day! this year I accidentally got to spend with Father's Day with my Father in AZ. Next week will be his 80th birthday. My Dad is a great guy, set in his way, but he has a great heart. I think I learned unconditional love from my father. Love of the family.

For more than 30 years I lived 3000 miles away from my family. Traveling and living my own life. I came home once in awhile for holidays, but mostly I have lived my own life away. Celebrating Fathers Day and his 80th Birthday was a great treat for me as it was for him. My Dad loves to have his family around on holidays. He was a little under the weather this Father’s Day so the whole family just hung around, watching 60 Minutes (may Dad's favorite program) and eating an unhealthy treat of vanilla ice cream.

Although my Dad’s body is beginning to slow down,
his generous heart continues to take care of the whole family. He has been giving love to his wife for over forty years and has been taking physical care of her for the last 10 years. A place I know he never thought he would be.

We're a jewish family. Our whole family always seems loud when we are all together. Mom, my brother and I are always competing. Yet through it all my Dad always seems so quite. But stubborn, WOW.

My father is the reason I have learned to just keep forgiving and giving love. I really try to tell a friend or a family member everyday that I love them and I try to engage with a stranger everyday. The act of giving love is a great stress reliever. So here is to all the Father’s that have loved us unconditionally year after year. Enjoy your ice cream and your special day.