So my mom loved a good sunset. She'd pour herself a scotch and stare out at the splendor. She'd go real quiet and just take it all in, pondering, I suppose, all the greatness in her world. She would marvel at the spectacular way the day would end and she would almost come away from the experience with some sort of sense that the world was better than it was earlier in the day. I've seen entire meals come to a grinding halt in their preparation as my mother would disappear onto the deck to meditate. And no one seemed to mind and we were often implored to join her.

On Saturday evening, I found myself at the Ritz in Half Moon Bay. I was there for some work crap and I had the wifeage come down on Saturday with the kiddiewinks. We spent the afternoon swimming and hot tubbing. After which, we found our way out to a terrace where they had set up some fireplaces surrounded by Adirondack chairs all overlooking to the ocean and facing west. I bought the kiddiewinks a "smores making kit" from the bar. I, of course, ordered up some Stella Artois for moi and settled in near the fire with our goods. The kids got to work roasting the marshmallow's while I hung out and prepped the gram crackers and chocolate. About this time, it became apparent that the sun would set spectacularly, and the people inside the hotel spilled out onto the terrace some taking part in the smoring. As if to really set the mood, a kilted bagpiper showed up to usher out the sun. It was one of those moments, where as a dad, you couldn't be more relaxed. I had a great day with the kids, they were loving the fire and roasting and snacking, I had a cocktail and the sun was cooperating in all its glory. And it hit me, at that moment, that if my mom was with me she'd be totally in her element. How she'd kill for a moment like this just one more time. I sat there reflecting on how great my world is and how lucky I am to have everything that I have. I guess I finally understood what my mother found so therapeutic about watching the day end. It was at that moment that my boy, looking off at the descending sun said, "this reminds me of Grandma." I hugged him though I couldn't say much as my throat was completely choked at the moment and he couldn't quite understand why.

Though Father's Day didn't officially start for another few hours, it couldn't have been any more perfect.


Hope you are well.

Johnny GoFast