He awoke from a good sleep and lay in his tent listening to owls hooting and crickets chirping. It was Father’s Day, and he started thinking about his Dad. I have not done that in a long time, he thought. He went out into the early morning.

There were still a few hot coals in the campfire, so he added kindling, and the fire came to life. He looked up and started talking to his heavenly father like he does every day. The stars were still twinkling.

His earthly father had been gone for many years, but there were still things he needed to say to him that had been in his heart for a long time.  

I do not remember you ever telling me you loved me or hugging me, Dad. I am sorry, but it is hard to tell you I love you when I have never heard or felt it from you. I realize your father never did that with you, so you did not know how. That is probably how he grew up so he didn’t know to do that.

Grandpa never smiled, never seemed happy. His father was probably that way too. Not showing someone you love them was passed down to you. Excuse me, smoke must have gotten in my eyes.

I do not remember you doing much with me as I grew up on Grandma’s and Grandpa’s farm. You worked for the railroad and were gone a lot. I spent most of my time

wandering the fields and forests around the farm. I remember pretending to be a soldier like you were.

Were you proud of me when I joined the military Dad? I wrote you but never heard back. Guess you were busy. This smoke is in my eyes again.

Okay, where was I? Like you, I made mistakes in life. God forgave me and I forgive you, Dad. My wife and I tell our kids and grandkids we love them. They have passed it on to their kids and will pass it on to grandkids. They have all grown up in church. The chain is broken, Dad. All kids need to grow up knowing their parents, God, and Jesus love them. It changes lives.

Well, I have to go now. My son and grandson will be here in a little while. We are going fishing. I am glad we had this talk, Dad. He wiped his eyes one last time and started getting his fishing stuff together.