I was on the front porch when you drove by and I waved, thinking that one way to appreciate life is to imagine yourself without one. I told myself this the other morning as I decided to have a piece of toast and butter with my coffee and opened the fridge and there was this special butter looking at me, an expensive high-grade butter...

I was on the front porch when you drove by and I waved remembering this is the month for Father’s Day and there is something that needs to be said and as a father who loved you even through the Great Tribulation (read: teenagers), I must say it --- we do not need a Father’s Day gift from you anymore. Gifts are for Mother’s Day, as it should be. That’s right, kiddo, you’re off the hook. Daddy’s Day no longer requires a gift.

I was on the front porch when you drove by and I waved, going inside to mark May 10 on my calendar and write “Call your mother!” in bold black letters and you should too, because, no kidding, your mom wants you to call.