There is never a June that comes around when I don’t think of my favorite Father’s Day memory. Nothing captivated my attention more as a child than a toy stuffed bird my dad kept in a curio cabinet in his man cave. This feathery splendor was about the size of my palm with wild ostrich feather plumage glued onto it. I imagined stories about why this fragile object was set apart and displayed only for Dad’s eyes to see. Was it a gift from a princess he had rescued from the grips of a ferocious dragon? Was it a piece of treasure he had found while hunting with Indians?

One spring, with my vast four-year-old wisdom, I decided that, since Dad liked it so much, I should give it to him again.

The perfect solution.

The Saturday before Father’s Dad I carefully snatched the stuffed bird from the case. Holding it in my tiny hands as if it were precious jewels, I fled with my stolen booty to my bedroom. Hiding my plunder, I left my room to bring back the newspaper and masking tape, certain that Dad would be thrilled with his Father’s Day present.

After dinner on Father’s Day, while Mom and Dad were having their coffee, I stood before him and ceremonially offered my carefully wrapped package. He looked at the crumpled ball of newspaper encircled with bands of masking tape and pulled me up into his lap so I could have the perfect view of the unveiling. As he carefully unwrapped the mound of tape and paper, he revealed the soft, fragile stuffed bird I had taken from his glass cabinet. He smiled his I-love-you-over-the-moon smile.

“I love it,” he said. “Thank you for the perfect present, Peaches. This is such a cute bird. I’ll keep it forever!”

He smothered me with hugs and kisses and I erupted in giggles. After taking in his perfect love, I strutted away as if I had just been awarded a national medal for being the most loving and awesome child of the year.

Later that summer, we began preparations to celebrate Dad’s birthday in September. He never wanted much of a fuss, but we enjoyed honoring him the best we could. I had no idea how to out-gift Father’s Day.

Then the answer came to me.

When Dad wasn’t watching, I returned to his room, opened the display case, and birdnapped the feathered masterpiece. And as before, I took it to my room and wrapped it with newspaper and masking tape.

When the time came for presents after Dad’s birthday dinner, I made sure I was at the front of the gift-giving pack. Dad, once again, scooped me up along with my ball of newspaper and masking tape and pulled me onto his lap.

When Dad opened his present and saw the plumage and beautiful colors, he never missed a beat. He raved on about how beautiful this present was and how he was so pleased that I knew just what he liked. He never let on that he recognized the bird from the glass case in his room or that he even knew I had taken it. Instead, he made a fuss over me and my re-re-gifted item that had belonged to him since before I could remember. He made me feel like I had offered him the moon and it was the most special gift he ever received.

His love

Dad has been gone for over forty years now, and sometimes I forget what was so special about him. Then I revisit my favorite Father’s Day memory … and I smile. I can close my eyes and still see that look of complete love for me on his face. And, that’s a memory of why he was so special to me.

4 Comments

The Conversation

1. Donna Henderlong (Jeanie) says:

   June 14, 2023 at 10:14 am

   Just rereading my comment from a while back and again had a flood of memories of your Dad. He was such a good guy. I still remember a joke he told me when I was just a teenager. I know you will always miss him. God bless you Cuz. Love you much.

   • Robin Luftig says:

     June 14, 2023 at 10:27 am

     Thanks, Jennie. I do miss him dearly. Thanks for checking in and taking the time to comment. It let’s me know you’re there.

2. Donna J Henderlong says:

   June 17, 2021 at 12:07 pm

   This brought back many memories to me. Your Dad was a sweet man. I remember both our
   Dad’s hunting together and our whole family having fun together. I know you miss him as
   much as I miss my Dad. We were blessed to have such great Dads. Love you Cuz.

   • Robin Luftig says:

     June 20, 2021 at 3:26 pm

     Where has the time gone? I remember those times and so many others when our families laughed. Sending love your way. 🙂

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