FATHERING

My dad is in England this Father’s Day. He and my mother take each grandkid on a trip the summer after they turn thirteen. My daughter Gibson is with them.

Growing up, my dad took our family on vacation trips every year. Odd numbered years (between ’79 and ‘89) were spent at Walt Disney World. Even number years in other fun places (New York City, Washington DC, New Orleans, the World’s Fair in Knoxville, Myrtle Beach, Europe).

Whenever we were on vacation my dad walked very fast and took long strides. And urged us to keep up. Because of this, I developed his gait...and approach to vacationing. I like to move when I’m “away from it all.”

This photo is typical of my family’s vacations (this in 1983, I believe). Mom, Robin, and I in the VW camper...Epcot parking lot...dad taking the picture.

We’re happy. Thanks dad.