Let's take this moment to celebrate our fathers, ancestors and the men who have deeply influenced our lives.

My father was an only child. He and my mom brought six children into this world and we grew up in my dad’s childhood home. We lived in a neighborhood where everyone knew you by your family. "Oh you are Phil's daughter or I know your sister…you are the spittin' image of  your brother." We belonged. I was elated to be part of the Sorensen clan.

Although we did not have much material wealth, my dad was a good provider. His spirituality was expressed through his generous nature and warm hospitality. Friends were always welcome and there was plenty of food to share accompanied by good times. My dad had a sense of humor and was a big kidder to the point of embarrassment of his children. My father was happiest when we had a houseful of guests.

He discovered life’s finest richness in relationship. Friendship and family were of prime importance. In this way, my father created meaningful connections and a real sense of community.

As a child my dad was bigger than life to me. In my teenage years his imperfections were mostly what I noticed. As a parent I held a new appreciation "Oh so this is what it must have been like for him too." His humanness shone through with an understanding that we are all wounded by life to some degree and we make some mistakes along the way. Yet, what I never doubted was his love for me. I feel blessed to carry these experiences within me and I am grateful for the gifts he lovingly bestowed, even though there were times I may not have recognized his gift. 

                                                                                                    Who has influenced your life?

Poem “For a Father” by John O’ Donohue

The longer we live,
The more of your presence
We find, laid down,
Weave upon weave
Within our own lives.

 The quiet constancy of your gentleness
Drew no attention to itself,
Yet filled our home
With a climate of kindness
Where each mind felt free
To seek its own direction.

 As the fields of distance
Opened inside childhood,
Your presence was a sheltering tree
Where our fledgling hearts could rest.

 The earth seemed to trust your hands
As they tilled the soil, put in the seed,
Gathered together the lonely stones.

Something in you loved to inquire
In the neighborhood of air,
Searching its transparent rooms
For the fallen glances of God.

 The warmth and wonder of your prayer
Opened our eyes to glimpse
The subtle ones who
Are eternally there.

 Whenever silently, in off moments,
The beauty of the whole thing overcame you,
The look from your eyes
Like a kiss alighting on skin.

 There are many things
We could have said,
But words never wanted
To name them;
And perhaps a world
That is quietly sensed
Across the air
In another’s heart
Becomes the inner companion
To one’s own unknown. 

Blessings upon thee on this Father’s Day! 

Contributed by Liz Sorensen Wessel
Photo  of my parents colorized by my nephew Dan Maio
Mandala by ~liz