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fatherhood

A daddy-daughter date: 40 years later

Father's Day Denver

I left Canada when I was 18 years old for college and the longer I’m gone, the farther away it feels.  Four years ago, my mom finally passed away after a 30-year battle with MS. Add in a pandemic where I couldn’t cross the border to return home and my Dad’s multiple battles with cancer during that time–and I treasure time spent with family even more. 

In February for my birthday, I had one request: to fly home. 

I had a few days of wicked-cold temps and a few days of moderation that made for a great visit. We hiked, skied, skated, ate (so much), did a bunny intervention of Mom’s Easter collection (100+ cottontails), and snuggled up to the fire to watch curling every night in my childhood home.
 
On a very cold day, Dad and I decorated Mom’s grave and we warmed up with some soup at a nearby diner after.
 
I glanced over and saw a father eating with his young daughter and thought about the many adventures I’d had with my dad over the years. As they walked past our table, I commented to him about their daddy-daughter date…and I pointed to my dad and me, “We are you, 40 years from now.”
 
He paused and I could see a shift from what was probably a regular outing he didn’t think much about to something more. And he smiled with renewed gratitude.
 
Because if I learned anything from not being able to cross the border to see my family for 2+ years during the pandemic is that even the little things—cheering them on at soccer, eating family dinner every night, taking that weekend trip—feel pretty big and important in the end.
Amber Johnson
Author: Amber Johnson

Amber is the founder and editor of Mile High Mamas, travel writer and former columnist for The Denver Post. She is a passionate community builder and loves the outdoors. She has two awesome teens and is happily married to a man obsessed with growing The Great Pumpkin.

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Amber is the founder and editor of Mile High Mamas, travel writer and former columnist for The Denver Post. She is a passionate community builder and loves the outdoors. She has two awesome teens and is happily married to a man obsessed with growing The Great Pumpkin.

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