Father’s Day is here again, and as I sit down to write this, I realize I may know my dad better right now than I have ever known him before. We have always had a strong connection, and our time together as main caregivers for mom’s final journey forever bonded us as a tight team.

This is a recent photo of dad and his friend "Bear” at a celebration we just had for mom in California.

Dad and Bear have been friends since 1957, seem to perfectly intersect at critical points in their lives, and have a crazy shared passion for Nebraska football.

It was pretty sweet watching them together and realizing the history and life events they have been through together, both professionally and personally. I am starting to really appreciate and understand the whole “circle of life” thing. I've spent a lot more quality time with him and know many of his friends now, as well as much more about him as a human. It’s been touching and inspiring to see dad graciously receive love and support from the large circle of good friends he has made throughout his lifetime. He is focused on random acts of kindness these days and helping whoever crosses his path in meaningful ways. I am delighted to witness the scope of his generosity, thoughtfulness, and kindness.

Happy fathers day and thank you for being the model of grace, strength with the perfect scoop of vulnerability, its delightful to know who you are as a person outside of "my dad"• you are a gift to the world and I am grateful to have the opportunity to cheer you on as the next step in your beautiful story unfolds.