Do it again Daddy!

I push my cart in the grocery store. I’m looking over the oranges and second-guess myself, “Did my wife say to pick up oranges or bananas?” I look down at my phone and consider sending her a text. And then I hear it. A little girl of about 4 or 5 cries out “Daddy!”

I look up instantly and stand at attention. My “Daddy Skills” haven’t been called into service in a long time, but they’re on guard, ready for action. A store attendant stocking a shelf next to me does the same thing. Still, we quickly learn that the “Daddy” in question is not for us.

The little girl is with her dad. He’s whizzing her around the produce aisles like they’re in a race car. This time in a louder voice, she says, “Do it again Daddy. Do it again.” He pulls on her seat buckle to make sure it’s still tight and starts back up again. “Vroom, vroom,” he says.

They swing around a produce island freezer. He makes noises as if he’s taking the curve at a high rate of speed. They come to a straight stretch and they’re off again, zigzagging to the next freezer. Their laughter brings smiles to the other shoppers. I stand at ease and admire the way the dad plays with his daughter. He stops to pick up three tomatoes. In my mind, though, they’ve just won the checkered flag at Le Mans. Tomato, tomahto.

The dad and daughter have moved onto the Deli Section, but I’m still thinking about my reaction. I think about my own experiences as a father. I’m reminded that when your kids are young and they call out “Daddy,” it feels amazing. It’s the best feeling in the world. My kids are grown now, but it’s still good to hear them call out for Dad. I hope to see or chat with them on Sunday.

Father’s Day is celebrated in the U.S., United Kingdom, Canada, India, and a number of other countries across the globe on the third Sunday in June. It’s set aside to honor fatherhood and paternal bonds. Here’s to all the various dads in our lives. And yes, a dad doesn’t always have to be by blood. Sometimes the dad-like figures who step in when needed — we’ve all had them, authority figures who step in and offer some encouragement, compassion, respect, and direction — can leave some of the most powerful impressions.

Here’s a few commercials and one TV show clip to pull at your heart strings leading up to Father’s Day.

(If the videos fail to play or appear in WordPress Reader, you can see them on my blog page.)

Fatherhood – the toughest job you’ll ever love.

Being called Dad – Never gets old

Dad’s evolution – Giving up the man cave for a princess tea party

Don’t mess with Dad’s cubs – Protectors come in all shapes and sizes