Father’s Day has always been one of my favorite holidays. Although my parents divorced when I was 12, my grandfather is the best Dad any girl could have. Even when Father’s Day fell on my mother’s birthday (as is the case this year), my mom got a separate cake for Gramps for HIS day. I will be doing the same.
I know this year will be especially difficult for my DH, Ric. His father passed away suddenly this past January. We will be spending the day with the Remers side, so at least he will be with his brothers and sisters. 
Growing up in a non conventional family taught me a lot about relationships. I learned early on that we were different from most of our friends. We didn’t have the mom & dad plus 2.5 kids and a dog. We had Grandpa, Grandma, Mom, three kids and two dogs. At the same time, our friends didn’t seem to notice or mind. At least I felt pretty normal. 
I learned the difference between a biological father and a “dad”. That fathers come in different forms. I also learned that not having your biological father around was not necessarily the end of the world. Sometimes it’s better.
Gramps is 84 and still working part-time. Unfortunately, he has to work on Father’s Day, so we will be having cake for lunch before he leaves for work
If you are fortunate enough to still have your “dad” like I do, cherish him every day, not just on Father’s Day.
Stephanie Remers
