My Father’s Old Rolex Told More Than Just Time
Now, you might have noticed I don’t talk about my dad too often. Not because I don’t have stories. Because I have too many. The man was a legend.
He owned this battered old Rolex watch. The crystal was scratched. The strap looked like it had survived three wars and at least one family vacation.
One day, I asked him why he still wore it. “Dad, you can afford a new watch.”
He looked at me and said, “Why? This one still tells me what’s important.”
I laughed. At the time, I thought he was just saying mysterious things for sport. Years later, I understood. The watch wasn’t keeping time. It was keeping memories. Dad’s gone now. The watch still sits in my drawer. Still not particularly accurate.
But still telling me “what’s important.”
Happy Father’s Day to the dads whose wisdom made absolutely no sense… until one day it made perfect sense.
This Week, We’re also Celebrating…
A Friend In Need Is A Friend Indeed Day (June 15th)
A friend in need is a friend indeed. A friend who answers your call after 11 PM deserves a medal!
National Fudge Day (June 16)
Happy National Fudge Day! Because sometimes a brownie just isn’t committed enough.
International Picnic Day/Go Fishing Day (June 18)
Some people fish for trout. Some people fish for compliments after making picnic sandwiches. Be both!
Butterfly Day (June 19)
Every butterfly was once having a very confusing week. Spread your wings. Or at least spread good vibes.
Juneteenth (June 19)
Happy Juneteenth! Where the stories are rich, the music is loud, and someone’s aunt is feeding everybody.
Father’s Day (June 21)
Happy Father’s Day to the man who can find a mistake in my parking from three streets away.
International Yoga Day (June 21)
Happy Yoga Day! Half the class is finding balance. The other half is finding where that cracking sound came from.
World Music Day (June 21)
Here’s to all the music that carried us through good days, bad days, and Mondays. Happy World Music Day!
A Birthday Tradition You Could Probably Steal
The Summer Solstice arrives on the 21st of this month, which means we’re about to experience the longest day of the year. A few years ago, my friend Liam woke me up at 3:45 in the morning and said, “Trust me, this is worth it.” Those are historically dangerous words. I complained the entire journey. I was tired. And from a distance, the Stonehenge looked suspiciously like a collection of rocks that had won a popularity contest.
Forty-five minutes later, we were standing in a field near Stonehenge with thousands of equally sleep-deprived strangers. Some were wrapped in blankets. Some wore flower crowns. One man appeared to be having a very spiritual conversation with a drum. Then the sun rose. And suddenly it all made sense. Each and every one of those people started cheering. Strangers hugged. Someone handed me coffee.
For thousands of years, people have gathered here to watch the sunrise align almost perfectly with these ancient stones. Honestly, it’s comforting. Humanity has changed a lot over the centuries. But apparently, waking up ridiculously early for a good view remains one of our most enduring traditions.
Happy Summer Solstice. Nature just gave us bonus daylight. What we do with it is between us and our screen-time reports.
We’ll see you next week, pal. If you enjoyed this, tell a friend. If you didn’t, tell an enemy. Bob out!