By Nori Patnode, Certified Concierge Care Advisor
What can I say about Fathers? Amazing, strong, dependable, fun! There are so many adjectives to describe Fathers. I know many of us want to honor our Dads on Father’s Day, making their day extra special and letting them know just how important they are to us.
My Dad is extremely special to me. Although he passed-away when I was seventeen, he remains an important part of my memory and my heart. He grew up in Port Townsend during the 1930’s and 40’s. He played the violin and basketball. During high school he worked in the local paper mill. After he graduated, he joined the Navy and served during the end of WWII. He never really spoke to me about the War, but I am very curious about his time in the service. There are so many things I would like to ask my Father now that I am an adult. Unfortunately, those things will remain a mystery to me now.
There are many special Fathers in my life now. My husband and father of my children. My son, who has a one year old fabulously cute daughter. Other friends and family who are amazing dads and for whom I have great respect and admiration for.
Who are you going to celebrate this Father’s Day? What can we do to celebrate our Dad’s during this time? If you cannot physically visit your Father, it is time to get creative. Put together a survival box but put a fun spin on it. Make a theme box based on his interests and mail it to him. Be sure to add a personalized note and tell him how important he is in your life! If he likes golf, put together a box with cookies decorated like putting greens. Hand paint some golf balls to look like M & M’s or Imogee’s (Check out Pinterest for more ideas). Add a putting machine with an automatic ball return, as well as some golf gloves and tees.
Can you stop by and do a window visit or visit outdoors using safe distancing guidelines and wearing masks? If the rules allow and it is safe to do so, I am sure seeing you in person would be the best Father’s Day present ever. These visits can be awkward, so I suggest thinking up a few ways to make these types of visits more fun. Have a social distancing picnic. Bring outdoor chairs and TV trays to serve food on. Get creative with your menu and drinks. Make the food at home and prepackage meals individually. Call Uber Eats or Door Dash and have them deliver the meal.
If your family likes games, play some games that can be easily played while social distancing. Play name that tune or Charades.
Many Assisted Living Facilities and Adult Family Homes are assisting their residents with Face Time meetings with their families. Set up a time with the facility and see your Dad virtually if you cannot visit. If your Father is comfortable using a computer and you have more time, try playing a virtual game. Now that we have all had to stay at home, there are many virtual games available, or you could just play an old favorite and make it virtually friendly. Play trivia games, word games, etc.…
The most important thing is to reach out to others during this time. Let the people who are important to you know that you love them. Many people are feeling depressed or lonely and they are just a phone call away.
Happy Father’s Day to all of you Dad’s out there! Stay strong and loving and keep being completely wonderful!
