Father's Day Surprise

by Keith Kluksdahl

  "Sounds good," answered Mark. "I'll be back in about 30 minutes."

  "I'll start getting things ready while you two clean up," added Nancy.

  Mark headed out the door toward his cabin. Bob and Nancy watched him walk around the corner out of sight. Bob picked up some of the gear and started toward the closet. He stopped in his tracks when he noticed the way Nancy was watching him.

  "What is it?" he asked. "You have the sly smile on your face."

  Her smile broadened. "I don't often see a twinkle in your eye when you come back from a day of fishing," she answered. "It would be my guess that you really enjoyed yourself."

  Bob set down the fishing gear, removed his cap, and scratched his head. "It was more than just the fishing," he said as he thought about it. "I think it's Mark. He's a terrific kid."

  "You seem to get along with him quite well," said Nancy.

  "He's had kind of a rough time," said Bob.

  "Really?" she asked.

  "His father was not exactly the model Dad," said Bob. "And that was before he walked out." Bob leaned against the counter and sighed heavily. "He's done all right without a father's guidance. I really admire that. Put himself through college. And he's got a great relationship with his Mom."

  "You guys must have done a lot of talking out there on your boat," said Nancy.

  "Well," answered Bob, "there's not much else you can do when you're fishin' in a boat. It's not as though you can wander off and hide." He laughed to himself. "It was quite a day," he said as his mind replayed the fishing trip.

  "You go crawl in the shower," said Nancy. "I'll start getting things ready for a fish dinner."

  Bob started up the stairs, turned, looked at Nancy, and said "There's something about that kid that I really like." He resumed his march upstairs with a satisfied smile on his face. "I think we can figure out something to do tomorrow," he said to himself as he went.

  ~~~~

  Saturday Evening

  Bob opened the office door as quietly as he could. As he stepped inside, he put a finger to his lips. "Shhh," he whispered. "Nancy is probably sleeping by now."

  The two men quietly entered the room and began to unload their packs. Bob had opened the closet and was beginning to put things away when the stairs creaked. Bob looked at Mark who winced to acknowledge that Nancy had heard them.

  "Kind of late," said Nancy as she reached the bottom of the stairs.

  "Sorry sweetheart," apologized Bob. "I didn't want to worry you. I think we got a tad carried away."

  "I wasn't worried," said Nancy as she walked over and gave Bob a kiss and a quick hug. "You know that mountain like the back of your hand." She winked at Mark. "And with someone else along to keep you out of trouble, there was nothing to worry about. I hope you had fun."

  "I don't know about staying out of trouble," said Mark with a mischievous smile. He and Bob looked at each other as though they'd been caught. Mark chuckled. "We may be dangerous together."

  Bob laughed. "He's right," he said. "We explored parts of that mountain that I'd never seen before." He resumed unpacking. "How far do you think we hiked today?" he asked Mark.

  Mark looked up at the ceiling and thought about it for a moment. "We had to have done about 20 miles," he answered as he looked at Nancy for a reaction.

  Nancy shook her head. She swatted Bob on the behind as he stooped over to put something in the back of the closet.

  "What?" said Bob as he stood quickly to face his wife.

  "You're no spring chicken," said Nancy with a look of concern that couldn't really mask the twinkle in her eye. "You haven't hiked that far in one day in some time."

  Bob put his arm around her and squeezed her tightly. "I know," he said. "It was wonderful." He looked at Nancy to address any real concern that she might have. "I'll be a little sore tomorrow, but I'm okay. I had forgotten how much I enjoy exploring like that."

  Nancy smiled at her husband's delight. She turned to Mark. "He was always trying to get our daughters to hike with him, but once they got interested in boys," she said, "they had no interest in exploring the trails with their father."

  Bob's smile turned to a frown as he suddenly remembered something. "The Pastor asked me to teach his Bible study next week," he said. "He'll need to know to announce it tomorrow morning. Number's upstairs. I'll be right back. He headed up the stairs and was quickly out of sight.

  Nancy turned to Mark. "I think he's enjoying your company," she said.

  "This is turning into a great vacation," said Mark. "Your husband is a great guy. The fishing was great. I've never laughed as hard as when Bob fell out of the boat."

  "He fell out of the boat!?" asked Nancy. "He's usually extremely careful about the water. What happened?"

  Mark laughed. "I think he was showing off," he answered. "We got into a little discussion about the best casting technique and his carried him right into the water. I nearly wet my pants I was laughing so hard."

  "Did he think it was funny?" she asked. "He can be a grouch sometimes when he thinks safety is involved."

  "He laughed harder than I did," answered Mark. He smiled. "After we got him back into the boat, he took off most of his clothes because he said that there was no way he was going to go home with soggy socks and have you laugh at him. It was a little strange when other boats went by, but after a while, Bob just stood up in his underwear and saluted them." Mark gestured a salute, shook his head, and laughed.

  Nancy smiled. "You seem to have a strange influence on my husband," she said.

  Mark's smile disappeared and he looked a little alarmed.

  Nancy read the look. "No," she said, "not a bad influence. I don't think I've ever seen him having this much fun doing what he likes to do. I go fishing and walking with him, but I can't keep up with him. It's good for him to get out there with someone who really enjoys the outdoors, and with someone he really likes." She smiled warmly at Mark. "Thank you."

  "I really enjoy his company," said Mark. He shook his head and his brow creased in deep thought. "He's everything I wish my Dad had been."

  "I take it that the trip to the cemetery wasn't easy," she said. She paused to let him fill in the rest.

  Mark took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "I think I came up here to find out who my Dad was," he said. "I never knew him and I wanted to know him."

  "Have you found out what you need to know?" she asked.

  Mark sighed. "No," he said. "It's been a dead end." He looked at the floor. "Maybe I just wanted to make him into something he wasn't." He looked at Nancy and smiled. "But it definitely hasn't been a wasted trip. I got to spend time with you and Bob."

  "I think I can speak for both of us when I tell you that you are welcome back anytime," offered Nancy.

  "Thanks," said Mark. "I've really enjoyed it."

  Bob descended the stairs and joined the other two in the office. "The pastor is all set for tomorrow." He looked at his watch. "I hate to break this up, but we've got church in the morning, and I need some sleep."

  "Me too," said Mark.

  "Mark," said Nancy, "would you like to join us for church?"

  "Well," started Mark, "I've never been much of a churchgoer in some time. Mom used to take us, but I got out of the habit after I left home. God seems like a concept more than a reality," he sheepishly added.

  "It's time you get back to it," said Bob with a big smile. "You'll love the pastor. He's a down-to-earth guy with a huge heart. And his sermons will make you think."

  Mark hesitated for a moment as he looked at Nancy and then at Bob. He could tell how much it meant to them. "Sure, why not," he said.

  "Fine," said Bob. "We'll see you at 8:30am right here."

  "Okay," said Mark without a lot of enthusiasm. "I'll be here. I'm going to hit the hay right now, so if you'll excuse me..."

  "See you in the morning Mark," said Nancy.

  Mark left the office and headed for his cabin. Bob closed the closet door and he and Nancy headed upstairs.
/>
  Bob smiled broadly. "Mark's everything I think I would have wanted my son to be," he said.

  "Really?" asked Nancy rhetorically with a smile of her own. "He is a nice young man."

  ~~~~

  Sunday Noon

  Bob opened the office door for Nancy and Mark and then followed them in. "It was a good sermon," he said as he took Nancy's jacket.

  "You're right about the sermon," said Mark. "It really did make me think."

  "Father's Day always inspires the pastor to give it his best," said Nancy. "I'm going to take the old man here out for lunch. Would you like to join us Mark?"

  "I would," answered Mark, "but I've got a long drive ahead and I need to be back to work tomorrow." He scratched his chin. "Work seems pretty far away right now."

  "You will come up and visit us again, won't you?" asked Bob. "We've enjoyed this week."

  "I will do that," said Mark. "Well, I'd really like to thank you two for the incredible hospitality. It's been a lot of fun."

  "Do you need something to keep your stomach happy on the road?" asked Nancy.

  "No, that's okay," answered Mark. I've got some things in a cooler in the car. "I'll be fine."

  "It's been great to have you here," said Bob. He offered his hand and they shook.

  Mark gave Nancy a little hug and moved toward the door. "I packed before church so I'm ready to go. I guess I'd best hit the road."

  The two men stood awkwardly unaware that Nancy was shaking her head. "Men!" she stated teasingly. "You two are pitiful."

  "What?" asked Bob.

  Mark looked questioningly at her.

  "Do you have any idea what happened the last few days?" she asked. When neither offered an answer, she continued. "Why did you come up here?" she asked of Mark.

  He looked at the floor. "To find out who my Dad was," he said.

  "And did that happen?" she asked.

  "Not exactly," answered Mark.

  "Then please tell Bob what did happen," she prompted quietly.

  Mark studied the floor for a few moments gathering his thoughts. He finally looked at Bob. "I came up here to find out who my father was. What I discovered was what a real father could be, which I think was more than I ever expected."

  "What was it you told me about Bob a couple of days ago," prompted Nancy.

  Mark looked a little embarrassed, but he looked at Bob and answered. "Bob, you're everything I would have wanted my Dad to be." He looked at the floor again and then at Nancy. "There's more," he said. "The pastor's words about the love of a Dad being a like a glimpse through a keyhole when compared to the door that is God's love, and how a father's love can be one of the things that leads us to God's love really hit me. I never knew a father's love. I think I know what it is now and it's given me a glimpse at God's love. I think it's time to go back to church."

  Bob's face turned red. "Thank you," he managed to say."

  "And you," said Nancy to Bob. "What have you got to say to Mark."

  It was Bob's turn to look at the floor. He looked at Nancy and then at Mark. "I always wondered what my son would have been like had he lived. I think he'd have been a lot like you." A tear ran down his cheek. "That really helps."

  "Thanks," Mark stammered.

  Nancy stepped in. "You two have given each other a wonderful gift." She put her arms around both of them as they both fought back the tears. She moved out of the way and the two men hugged each other tightly.

  When they let the embrace go, Mark took out his wallet and pulled out a business card. He went to the counter and wrote down his home phone number and gave the card to Bob. "I do a few backpacking trips each year. I'd love to have you join me."

  Bob took the card and smiled. "Sounds like fun," he said as he wiped a last tear from his cheek. "You are so very welcome to come up here any time," he said. "There's plenty of summer left and when winter hits, the skiing is great."

  "Thanks," said Mark. He glanced at his watch. "I really do need to get going. It's a long drive." He gave Nancy a warm hug.

  She kissed him on the cheek. "Oh, by the way," she added, "is there a girl? I know you aren't married."

  Bob groaned. "What is it with you women?" he laughed. "Can't you let a single man live in peace?"

  Mark laughed. "Well, there is someone. But, we aren't too serious."

  "What's she like?" asked Nancy. "When can I meet her?"

  "Stop," ordered Bob. "There'll be time for this discussion another time."

  "Okay," she relented. "Call us when you get home."

  "I will," answered Mark. He turned to Bob and grasped his hand in a warm handshake. "Happy Father's Day, Bob," he said.

  "Happy Father's Day, Mark," answered Bob.

  Mark turned and walked out the door to his car. Bob and Nancy followed him out and stood with their arms around each other as he climbed in and started the car. He rolled down the window as he backed the car out of the parking spot. "Take care," he shouted as he waved. "I'll be in touch. And, Nancy, I'll ask my girlfriend if she wants to come up here some time."

  Nancy laughed.

  "And," kidded Mark, "I do know a thing or two about computers. I can get your little business into the 21st century."

  It was Bob's turn to laugh. "It's kind of a hobby really, but maybe we could take a look. Drive careful," added Bob as he and Nancy returned the wave. They watched him drive off.

  Bob smiled warmly at his wife, a silent acknowledgement that her hunch about Mark has been correct. God seemed to frequently use his wife to get his attention. "What do we do now?" he asked.

  "Teach you how to cast without falling out of the boat," answered Nancy.

  They both laughed and headed back to the office with their arms still around each other.

  ###

  About the Author

  Thank you for reading my book. If you got anything from it, please leave a comment at the site from which you downloaded it.

  The impetus for writing this book was based on my experience with my father and the stories I've heard from countless men over the years. My father died when I was 20 years old, but I lost him to depression long before that. The result of that loss has deeply affected me to this day. The story is common. When a father isn't there for a son, the son carries a hurt that haunts him possibly for the rest of his life.

  It wasn't until my marriage was failing that I finally did what I was afraid to do for far too long. I surrounded myself with Godly men with whom I could be open and honest, who would love me regardless of my faults, who would hold me accountable in a firm and loving way, and who would help me walk more closely with God. While I had worked diligently at healing for many years, it wasn't until I took this step that the true healing began. I started coming out of hiding. I was probably afraid to open up to other men because I wasn't that close to my father. But I needed that bond with other men who could mentor me to become a better father and husband, and to break the chain of the sins of the father. A guy can't make it as a lone wolf.

  My hope in sharing this story is to get men to look for other men with whom they can heal and grow, and become the men that our society sorely needs. I encourage you to get involved in a local men's ministry at a church. I can recommend a couple of great books and a website as places to start.

  The Furious Longing of God by Brennan Manning. Manning struggled mightily through life. While he was a priest, he was also a pass out in the street drunk. But he kept getting up. Every encounter I've had with Manning, whether at a retreat or in one of his books, has led me closer to God.

  Three Free Sins, God's Not Mad At You by Steve Brown of Key Life Ministries. If you grew up without grace and felt defeated by life before you even reached adulthood, Steve Brown is the teacher you need.

  Freedom's Edge, Empowering Men – This is the men's arm of Key Life Ministries.

  The world is in desperate need of good, Godly men. Not perfect men. Just men who are willing to do what's needed regardless of their wounds and shortcomings. God bl
ess.