EDITOR'S NOTE: In June 2004 I began a new venture as managing editor of both Northfield News and Faribault Daily News. This column originally appeared in the Northfield News on June 16, 2006.
A letter to my father: As I sit to write this in the days leading up to my ninth Father's Day, I can't help but wonder how you're doing. It's been a long time since I've written to you. Over Memorial Day weekend, when I made my annual trek back to the cemetery to see you, I thought about how I used to write so regularly to update you as to what was happening. Then, as you probably know, life happened. I graduated college, started working, had Garrett, worked even harder, had Carter, and worked even harder still. The time to write grew short and I fell out of the habit. Sorry. But I've also imagined that you probably understand. I know you worked a lot when we were younger, and I often wonder if I would take the time now just to call you to say hi if you were still alive. Or if I would be as blind to life passing by as others are that I know. ... I'd like to think I'd know better. I try to practice this with the boys and instill in them the value that despite the many projects undone at work, to take the time to enjoy the most important things in life. However, I don't know that I always provide the best role model. There just always seems to be something pressing that has to get done ... right now. As I mentioned earlier, the boys and I were by to visit you recently. I believe it was probably Carter's first trip to see your grave. I think Garrett's probably grown accustomed to the visit, as this year he knew right where to go. And as if intuitively he understood what was needed: He stood alongside me and braced me as I squatted beside you and brushed away the pine needles and leaves. He said nothing, just patted my back and gave me those first initial moments of silence it always takes to collect myself. He is a good grandson and you'd be proud. But as I said, it was Carter's first real visit, and I apologize if any of your neighbors are giving you grief. Ahh, Carter ... Dad, if only you knew ... well, you probably do. I like to think that he's what you would have been at his age. He's got the same gleam in his eye when he's up to mischief ... just like I remember you having. He is all boy and I like to think he would have given you a run for your money. But anyway, after I visited with you a while and stood from your grave, I turned to see Carter running and romping about with a gleaming, red, white and blue pinwheel. It obviously had been placed on someone's grave and horror flooded through my mind at the thought that he had just taken it and run, even though I know he can't possibly know what it was for. Well, thankfully, mom was around and she informed me that it actually had come from your grave and not someone else's. Ahh, Carter ... you'd be proud of him too, Dad. But more for his being crafty and wily. It seems that my thoughts turn to you every year on Father's Day, and this year was no different. It's probably no surprise to you that I wish you were here to tell me how I was doing with the kids. But I like think you'd be proud. I'd like to be on a lake this weekend, just the four of us, sinking a line and catchin' whatever was biting. But instead, maybe it'll just be the three of us, and I'll have a chance to share a little bit about you with the boys. I'll share with them the stories Garrett's already heard a dozen times, but to which he still sits contentedly and listens because I think he knows it's for my benefit as much theirs. As you probably already know, he's a thoughtful kid. I apologize in advance if Carter doesn't make it all the way through my stories, Dad. He's not exactly the type to consider sitting still a good time. Oh, and forgive his fishing technique ... we're working on that too. Well, Dad, happy Father's Day ... again. Hopefully, it's not so long til I write again, but please understand if it is. And, if you get around to it, a little sign as to how I'm doing with my own boys would be appreciated. Love you. -- Devlyn Brooks is managing editor of the Northfield News.
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