A Father’s Day Gift of Love
Dear Readers, we’re about a week away from an important date on the calendar. It’s a day we take seriously here in Shady Pines Story Town. We look at it as a time honored way to celebrate the men in our lives who have a loving and supportive relationship with their children.
Father’s Day is celebrated nationwide this year on Sunday, June 15th.
Unfortunately, one of the best known fathers in our tight knit community is having a bit of a tough time. On this lazy Saturday afternoon Harold Sanders is feeling a little down.
He’s in the den of the Sanders’ home on Dogwood Drive across from Copy Cat lane.
Slouched in his big, comfy chair, Harold is watching his favorite baseball team on TV. His mood is not connected to the game.
In fact, it’s late in the 8th inning and Harold’s favorite team is ahead by two runs. It looks like they’re going to win. What’s so bad?
Harold should be happy. But it’s actually the commercials in beteween the baseball action that are affecting his mood.
Selling The Day
“Why do they make such a fuss about Father’s Day?” he wonders out loud. “It’s ridiculous.”
Harold’s wife, Edna, is across the room lounging on the couch. She’s looking through recipes in her latest cooking magazine while listening to the ballgame. “What’s that dear?”
Harold swivels and faces her. “I’m sick and tired of all the fuss these advertisements make to get people to buy the right gift for Father’s Day. What IS the Right gift? It’s just a way for companies to sell stuff and make money.”
Edna can see that he’s upset. “Honey, what’s really wrong?” she asks.
Harold turns the volume down on the TV. “What’s supposed to happen when your children are covered in fur? They’re not going to buy me a lawn mower or a fishing rod.”
When The Kids Have 4 Legs
Before Edna can answer, a silver cat in full flight charges into the 
room chased by a handsome Australian Shepherd dog. “Halley, you are such a pain. Give me my toy back!”
Halley’s Comet carries a small chew toy in her mouth. In one clean leap she lands on the wooden desk in the corner of the room.
“I don’t see your name on it, Booo-mer-rang!”
“You know darn well that’s my toy,” says Boomer. “Dad gave it to me for my birthday.”
“Funny, I don’t remember that,” says Halley looking down at the angry pooch.
Boomer points at the toy. “Well look at it, will ya!”
Harold sighs, gets up, and walks over to the desk. He throws the birthday cake toy down to Boomer and slings Halley over his shoulder while stroking her back. “Halley my girl, you love to taunt him, don’t you?”
Edna agrees. “Yes she does. Sibling rivalry just like human brothers and sisters.”
Harold delivers Halley to Edna’s lap and then gets down on the floor to address Boomer. He pets the dog’s head. “Boomer my boy. I love you but you don’t need to get so riled up. Halley lives for that.”
Harold moves over to sift through the toy basket under the desk. “He holds up Mr. rubber lizard. “C’mon Halley. Come here, girl.”
It’s All About Love and Kindness
Halley jumps off of Edna’s lap and trots happily across the room. Harold gives her the toy. “You know I love you, too, 
girl. But, please, play with your own toys.”
Harold looks over at Edna who is smiling. “What?” he asks.
“Do you know what a wonderful father you are? You show our kids love and kindness everyday. 
And they love you right back. Look at them.”
Harold still sits on the floor and realizes that his children are beside him.
Harold lowers and shakes his head. “What’s the matter with me?” he asks. “I have a wonderful wife and a couple of rambuctious, terrific kids who love me. I am a lucky husband and father indeed!”
Edna joins him on the floor and hugs him. “Yes, and besides that, they may have something for you next Sunday that you’re not expecting.”
Be Careful What You Wish For
Harold looks straight into her eys. 
“Oh, please tell me it will not be crawling, slithering or flying through the house. You know how our daughter likes to surprise us!”
Edna laughs. Boomer barks. Halley tilts her head and thinks about what “gift” she can catch and bring to dad. Birds are fun…
And that’s how we leave the Sanders on a lovely Saturday in the small Southern town of Shady Pines.
We hope you have a wonderful Father’s Day whether your children have two or four legs!
What a sweet Fathers Day gift of words for all “fathers” Ray loves really loves ALL animals so I can’t wait to share this one with him
It’s. beautifully worded. It’d the memories that make a day SPECIAL!
So happy you like it!
Yes. Go behind all the retail hype and remember why were are celebrating this day for fathers everywhere
This is a refreshingly kind story. Thank you
I’m a furbaby dad and can relate
Well done! Love from a 4-legged kids Mom.
Thank you Amy!
Always an interesting and thought provoking approach
This post is wonderful
Cheers to all of the amazing dads!
Yes!!!!
Really enjoyed this. Some very good points here
Dogwood Drive and Copy Cat Lane LOL!
I love the Halley and Boomer stories best of all. Harold does indeed have two wonderful fur kids.
Thank you for such a heartwarming post.
Thank you Sheri. Glad you enjoyed it!
These Shady Pines posts always make think and smile
Your post makes such a good point. When it come to Mother’s Day and Father’s Day it sometimes feels like it’s way for retailers to push product instead of focusing on the merits of parenting
Well said Jim!
Loved the story. It is a hard holiday for many, including those who have lost their dad. But it’s also a great time to remember the good times! Thank you!
Thank you Sharon. So glad you liked it!
Indeed, fathers to fur babies are to be celebrated along with any good man who plays a significant role in raising, supporting, and being a role model to the two legged human kind of ‘kids’ ❤️
Happy Fathers Day to all 👏🏼👏🏽
Great comment. Thank you Nancy!
A father isn’t just by birth, it’s patience, love and nourishing. Happy Father’s Day
Well said Elaine. Thank you!
I’m sending this to my grandson. He and his father bond over their dog
We rarely get to hear men express this kind of emotion. Thank you
Thank you Sharon!
A different but enjoyable take on Father’s Day
Thank you Joanne!
For those of us with human and fur babies, I thank you!
I love this message. Nice twist on the usual Father’s Day story