It took my Dad 12 years but today he asked me, for the first time since I told him about it, how I'm handling my anxiety disorder

I wish it hadn't taken so long. I wish it wasn't spurred on by my younger brother's severe mental illness diagnosis last week.

But I'm grateful 1/5

He seemed so uncomfortable and happily ran off when I assuaged his fleeting interest with reductionist platitudes that I'd be OK

The truth is his generation literally rubbed dirt on it and kept going. PTSD? More like Grandpa had a little guilt over what he did in Korea

Therapy? Might as well wear a dress. They don't do feelings, love, heart to hearts. They do toughness, lectures, detached mentorships

With age I've realized he's just a slightly older less sensitive version of myself. If I can't have sympathy for the Older Me who can I forgive?

I'm so glad to have him and nearly all my elders around still. I'm unimaginably blessed in that way. They aren't perfect but they love me and that's enough

If your Father is still here forgive the failures and embrace him with your whole heart on Sunday. If he's not here make sure to reminisce on the good memories and remember you are his legacy...in all it's beautiful imperfection