The Forever Gift
The Forever Gift
by Kathryn Lee
Erc Aga
Growing up in my family, Father’s Day was a huge holiday. For those of you who knew my dad, Erc Aga, you may understand why. If you are lucky enough to have a dad like mine, you are lucky enough.
Of course, gifts were always a big part of the celebration. But it wasn’t until I was in my mid-twenties that I realized no necktie, no fishing lure, no book would ever be a suit¬able gift for my dad. It was the year that Rapid City, SD, was ravaged with floods that I gave my dad his first “Forever Gift”. I donated money in his name to the relief effort. I knew when he read the card that he was as proud of me as he would ever be. From that year on my Father’s Day gift to my dad was a gift that always fit, never grew old and defined my dad’s love for people.
My Dad’s final gift to me came just a few days before he died. He suffered with congestive heart disease and often didn’t get enough oxygen to his brain. That meant a lot of what he said made little or no sense. On this day his eyes cleared as he looked me in the face and said, “You know, Kath, in the end the only thing that matters is how you’ve treated other people.” I knew instantly that he had given me a “Forever Gift”…. words burned into my heart that defined who he had always been.
I tell you this because you may decide that a “Forever Gift” is perfect for your dad this Father’s Day. And in these days of tough economic times Habitat for Humanity may have just the way for you to deliver that gift. Consider a donation in your dad’s name.
Consider volunteering to help in your dad’s name. Consider volunteering to help WITH your dad. Whether it’s on the construction site, in the HFH office or in many community opportunities, donating your time or money or both is the Father’s Day gift you can give anytime of year. Call our local office at 762-4255 or visit on line at http://www.hfhdouglascounty.org Happy Father’s Day, Dad. I love you past the top of forever.