One day in a year, the world over celebrates Father’s Day. One day in a year, we make all dads feel special, appreciated, remembered. But in all reality, dads everywhere, naturally simple as they are, feels like it’s Father’s Day any day they get to do something they love with their families. They get to feel that it’s Father’s Day when they get to laugh, play, bond and create happy memories with their children. That it feels like Father’s Day when their families take a moment to express their gratitude and affection. That it’s instant Father’s Day when dads get a big hug and hear their children say, “I love you dad.”
On our way to Gaido’s for early dinner in Galveston Island, my wife said, “Can we pass by the seawall?” I wondered why but as we head close to a familiar hotel, she pointed towards the parking lot and said, “Can you park there. I need to check something. She went inside the hotel and after a few minutes came back and told us, “Guys, I have a surprise for you. I booked us overnight at Holiday Inn. Hurry, we can still swim by the pool before dinner.” Feels like Father’s Day? Yes it did!
At the restaurant, we had the most delicious oysters, grilled Mahi-Mahi, lobster soup and Pecan Pie. Feels like Father’s Day? Yes it did!
The next day, I took a walk to watch the sunrise. It felt nice. The solitude was refreshing, calming, renewing. I had a peaceful, “Me and my Father God” prayer time as I watched the waves gently rolling towards the shore. It was blissful. When my son woke up, I took him to the East part of the beach. We stacked up rocks and pebbles to create our father and son Art piece, ran and jumped along the seawall pretending we were superheroes. Feels like Father’s Day? Yes it did!
After a delicious breakfast buffet, we drove towards our favorite island spot, the Galveston Island State Park. We were so lucky. It was Beach and Bay Day. This only happens once a year. This is also the first time I’ve seen the water so calm and clear that I could see schools of fishes swimming around us as my son rode the waves on his body board. Feels like Father’s Day? Yes it did!
We did crabbing and caught lots of small fishes, shrimp, hermit crabs and jelly fish. My son joined the park’s Search and Find game determined to finish it all and win the prize.
We did turtle racing and sand castle building.
We did fishing and kayaking.
At the bay side, we did bird watching and caught more sea creatures. We also saw a lost baby duck which a lady found wandering along the road. The lady gave the baby duck to the Park Ranger. Hopefully, they found its nest and brought it home.
My son happily showed us his winning prize…a Tote Bag. Perfect for our next beach trip.
While waiting for the Sunset, we raced, jumped, hopped, rolled, attempted somersault, made silly faces, laughed, dreamed of our next beach family adventure. Just when I thought we were blessed with so much, the spectacular skyline began to unfold as the Sun slowly descends. Colors of breathtaking reds, oranges, yellows, purples and more created a nature’s masterpiece that made that day hard to forget. Feels like Father’s Day. Yes it did!
To my amazing dad, father-in-law, to all the dads out there and more importantly to our loving Father God in heaven, Happy Father’s Day. Thank you for everything.
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! – 1 John 3:1
Filed under: Life Tagged: Beach, Blog, faith, Family, father's day, Galveston, Inspiration, parenting, Photography, summer, Weekly Photo Challenge, writing
