Father's Day :: Glass Half Full
Friday, June 14, 2013 at 12:17PM 
Ronnie Shorter
Seven months ago, my father died. The relationship was complicated, mysterious and void of almost every possible thing but he left me one gem that I hold close to my heart.
Tucked between the Ginkgo trees was Harry Bissett's in my hometown. Lunch at this white-tablecloth establishment is the sole childhood memory of enjoying the company of the man that was absent--I was around seven years old. The New Orleans themed restaurant helped me connect the dots between working class food and fancy "university folks" fare. At that moment, I knew that Morrison's Cafeterias's chopped steak was all good but living a fuller life was within my reach.
Twenty plus years later, we partook in another meal together at a Southside Chicago greasy spoon, a handful of conversations about his Starbuck habit and he gifted me photography of his travels around the world. On Father's Day, I raise a glass to forgiveness and the power of one meal.
Reader Comments (6)
Profoundly beautiful. So moving. A priceless gift.
Thanks Nancie!
Beautifully put!! I don't have a father at all, but was blessed with a grandfather that was always in my corner and the example of manhood that I needed in my life. Its a complicated and, as you so perfectly put, mysterious thing, the father daughter relationship and i am so proud and happy for you that you've been able to come through the fire with a sense of peace and closure to your relationship with your dad and were able to take away such a valuable life lesson. You are the coolest lady and its all the ups and downs, good and bad times that make us who we are so thanks for this post and the reminder about forgiveness, redemption and peace!
Very touching as what you share is always poignant. My heart was full as I read between the lines and I know how that absence feels. Thanks for sharing.
Lovely post. It is good that you connected with father via food.
Having always had a very strained and complicated relationship with my own father, I have prayed to understand why he had chosen not to be in my life. Over the years, particularly during this week of Father's Day, which also happens to be the week of his birthday, I've struggled with whether or not I should call or send a card. No card ever seemed appropriate. What do I say if I do call? I've wished many times that I could see him thru the same eyes that others do; the cool, funny, charismatic person that everyone loved being around.
To make myself feel better, I put a bandage on the disappointment, anger and heartbreak that I felt when I should have asked for the strength to forgive him.
Thank you for showing me that the power of forgiveness can heal. Hopefully next
year will be my first time ever celebrating Father's Day.