Have you ever had one of those moments where you come to the realization that things you have going on in your life are really good? The only problem is that during our day-to-day living, we find ourselves taking so many things for granted. Well, I had one of those moments on Father's Day!

My parents, who live in Traverse City, discussed that they were planning on making a visit to Midland this past Sunday. I mentioned since it will be Father's Day I would like to take them to dinner. We missed each other for Mother's Day due to travel, so I asked if we can celebrate both. They arrived, we had a nice chat, then went off to a restaurant to dine. 

After returning to my house, they were going to continue on their way back to Traverse City. As we said our good-byes, I told them I loved them. My 77-year old Dad put the car in gear and headed down the drive. I went back to the house, and turning before I went in, I noticed my dad stopping and putting the car into park. He got out and proceeded to walk up to me in an almost urgent manner. He told me he forgot something and proceeded to give me a nice strong bear hug and told me he loved me. As he dropped the embrace I felt a calm in the air and he started walking back to the car. As he was walking, he yelled back to me that you never know what might happen and he wanted me to know that he loved me.

There are several parts to this story that I have been thinking about since last night. First of all, while growing up, my Dad was never a very physical person. Not a big hugger or kisser or that type of person. He did grab me by the back of the neck a fair amount, but many times it was to encourage a teachable moment and get my attention to listen. The hug was a much better feeling to receive than those old neck grabs!

Another interesting thing is to realize how many people in your life you take for granted at times and seem to not give the amount of credit where credit is due. This runs the gamut, as I find people who make my day and my life very special, and it's not always those you call family. It could be a co-worker or a clerk at a coffee shop or the waitress at the restaurant or any other random person who help us all to get through our day. They make us feel better when we see them. We may miss them if they are not where we might have expected to see them. They can give you a boost and help to give you that first positive step in the morning, so you get in the right frame of mind to make your day complete. Wherever you find them, and if you think for a minute, I am sure will find a number of wonderful people that inspire, affirm, engage, and relate to you in a manner that make you a better person.

I would like to ask one favor. Think of a few people who inspire you and help you keep your attitude positive, whether they are family, friend, co-worker, or even a distant acquaintance. The next time you see them, let them know how important they are to you, and how much their presence helps to make you a better person. Don't just say it in passing; really let them know. I think the world will be better for it. Happy hugging! I love you, Mom and Dad, and all the others that make it a point to make my day!