Father’s Day is bittersweet if you’ve lost your Dad. I treasure the memories of my time with my father, but will always feel that he left us too soon (2017). I had him in my life for over 53 years, though, a huge and continuing blessing. I can feel him in my thoughts, in my choices, in my laughter, in my heart. He’s there.
Poems from the Heart
The last time I saw Dad was on Father’s Day in 2017. I posted a haiku for him that day, and he loved it. He died three days later, and I was so glad that he knew just how much he meant to me. I hope he knows how much he still means to me.
I wanted to write another poem today about fathers, but new ideas elude me, perhaps because I’ve already said what I needed to say. The poem below illustrates the bittersweet feelings I referenced earlier. It’s one of my favorite poems, perhaps because its so simple. If you’ve lost your Dad, I hope you will click, read it, and connect with the feelings.
Celebrating Dads
I’m not weepy, though—what a wonderful life this is! I’m celebrating lots of Dads today in my heart, including my husband, The Grill-Meister, a wonderful Dad and Bonus Dad, as well as my son’s Dad, my Bonus son who’s now a Dad, and many other wonderful fathers I’m lucky to have in my circle of friends and family. Dads Rock!
Two Burger Nights for Father’s Day Weekend 2025
This has been an all-request weekend for The Grill-Meister, dinnerwise, because I like to do my part to honor his Dad-ness. Also, I love cooking by request, especially if it’s from one of my recipes, or something new altogether. This weekend, burgers have been his go-to.
Last night, it was smash burgers by the pool, with homemade brioche buns topped with Everything spice. I even ground the meat myself, a mixture of brisket, chuck and ribeye.
I haven’t perfected the instructions yet, but will share the recipes once they’re airtight. The Grill-Meister is a great recipe-tester and taste-tester, as well as being the one to man the cast iron plancha we use to cook-smash the burgers.
Tonight, he has requested salmon burgers, the Glover Gardens way. Easy-peasy!
Dad would have loved these burgers.
Raising a Toast to Dads
The Grill-Meister and I will savor our salmon burgers tonight, drink a toast to the memory of our departed Dads and the other fathers our family and friends have lost, then celebrate those who remain. We know so many men who are great fathers.
What’s on your menu this Father’s Day, and how are you celebrating (or remembering) your Dad?
© 2025, Glover Gardens
Happy memories will always remain…
YES!
I must have missed your produce section haiku the first time round – so good! We just passed the 10th anniversary of losing my dad (30th May), can’t believe it’s been so long. I remember it being tough to be bombarded with Father’s Day emails that year – at least many companies now offer an opt out for such things.
Anabel, thank you so much for reading it and for your thoughtful comments. And even ten years after losing your Dad, I’m sure you still miss him and think of him, every day. Hugs to you, you thoughtful person.