This is the blog I posted last year for Father's Day. It is still true today, and ever will be.
This is for those of us who will be fatherless on Father's Day.
I knew when my father passed away suddenly on April 29, 1994, that it would take a while to get over the shock. I also knew that the void in my life would never, ever be filled. Both of the above came to pass.
But there is a legacy:
People say I'm funny. That's because of Daddy.
I struggle every day with my weight and self-esteem. Those are his genes.
Joe Serio's love for his family was fierce. It still is for his four kids.
Daddy didn't deny his Italian temper. I got some of that, too.
My father was far from perfect, but he was mine.
His constant questions about every little aspect of my life could be annoying. Now I miss how much he cared about what happened to me. I guess that's what I miss most: the security of unconditional love.
I wish he could have known my daughter...and all of the grandchildren he never lived to meet. I wish he could have seen me on the billboard. He would have been proud.
I wish he was still here to debate about sports with my husband, to tease me when I make a mistake on the air, and to scold me for letting friendships lapse.
I am sure that my father, wherever his essence is now, is grateful that he won't be getting another tie or pair of socks from me this Sunday. What I can do, Daddy, is use this forum to thank you for the love and support which I somehow still feel from you.
All this writing just made me realize that my first sentence was wrong. I'll never really be fatherless...on Father's Day...or ever.
