Father’s Day

Many years ago, I entered a photography competition with this photo.

It did not win a prize, but it won something much more important—it became one of my favorite photographs I have ever taken.

At first glance, it is simply a hand holding another hand. My father holding my son’s hand. A grandfather and a grandson walking together.

But every time I look at this image, I see something more.

I see my own life.

The hand on the left belongs to the man who taught me how to walk through life. The hand on the right belongs to the boy I am trying to guide through it.

And somewhere between those two hands, there is me.

I am the bridge between them.

I carry the lessons my father passed to me—his values, his example, his sacrifices, his love. Some lessons were taught with words. Others were taught simply by watching him live his life.

Now it is my turn to pass those things on.

Not exactly as I received them, but shaped by my own experiences, my own mistakes, and my own journey as a father.

That is what Father’s Day means to me.

It is not just a celebration of fathers. It is a celebration of connection. A reminder that we are all part of a story that began before us and will continue after us.

We learn from one hand and guide with the other.

And if we do our job well, the love, wisdom, and kindness we received will continue moving forward long after we are gone.

Happy Father’s Day!

GK