My family’s Father’s Day celebrations have changed over the years, but we still always get together to show my dad how much we appreciate him. Before the kids, it used to always be a full day celebration with meals together, spending the day exploring nature, and ending with my sisters and I cooking dinner for my dad. Now, the day is shortened with a late afternoon get together, walks and dinner on the deck. As my brother-in-laws and myself now celebrate Fathers Day, we also do our own Father’s Day rituals at home too. 

At this time of year, I am always on the lookout for a small gift for my dad, even though he always says he doesn’t want anything and just wants to spend time together as a family. It’s nice to have the opportunity to celebrate the amazing dads in our life.

In my Father’s Day cards, I always take the time to reflect on all the great ways my dad has supported me and made my life easier. Always setting a great example, he is often the person who goes the extra mile and helps where he can, whether it's yard work, putting together furniture or helping with tasks around the house that require tools. My dad can build and fix anything.

Growing up, my dad helped coach my baseball teams and soccer team for many years. He was great at helping us learn new sports and always came to all our games. An avid athlete himself, he made sure all his daughters had the chance to enjoy a variety of sports. I played regular season and club leagues. My parents spent a lot of time taking us and encouraging us at our sporting events. My dad also supported my career. He helped pay for business school, always encouraged me to do my best, and would remind me that it's not what I do, but how I do it.

My son is now 2.5 years old. He calls me Baba and I celebrate Father’s Day. This way, my wife and I each get our own day. My wife gets celebrated on Mothers Day and I get celebrated on Father’s Day. I feel so blessed to have my son in my life. I love his smile, laugh, big eyes, sense of humour, cuddles and personality. Becoming a parent is a big lifestyle change and can be challenging at times, but I wouldn’t change a thing. He brings so much love in my life and nothing beats having a child you adore.

Gone are the days of having a lazy day or just focusing on yourself. I would say everything is a bit more complicated. Having a kid and being a parent is not an easy job. I am grateful for having my parents help out with my son, for taking care of him for a weekend here and there. My son has a special relationship with my dad and my dad is my son's favorite person. They have strong preferences at this age. It's so much fun to watch my dad and son play together. My son loves to help grandpa work. 

I feel very grateful to have my dad in my life, to be celebrated as my son’s parent and Baba, and am looking forward to all the festivities this year. 

Farewell,

Ash Enns