The Grill

Greetings faithful readers...

Well today was Labor Day and like many of you I held a small family cookout. Those are rare but special in my house. A time for meat and fire...[cue Tim Allen's Home Improvement grunt]...

What made it special, though, wasn't the food it was the company. Brianna and I have this "thing" where she comes outside with me and helps me grill. She pulls up her little chair and just keeps me company outside while I start the charcoal and cook the meat. We talk about stuff like school, her friends, and other 8-year-old life stuff. I treasure these times...here's why.

When I was a young boy, probably Brianna's age, I used to LOVE to go outside and barbeque with my Dad. You see, my dad wasn't an overly open man. He didn't share a lot about himself. It was hard to really get to know him (even as his son). So, when I smelled that charcoal fluid outside, I'd run to the front door. I knew that if we were going to cook outside, then we'd get to talk. Dad just seemed "nicer" outside at the grill. We'd talk about soccer, or school, or a cool TV show that I'd just watched. Nothing specific...just talking. I would give ANYTHING to have one more of those moments with him.

This month marks the 9th anniversary of the death of my father. I had no idea how much I'd miss him.

Each time I fire up the grill and Brianna's beautiful little face peeks out through the open front door...I think about those times with my dad and smile.

Treasure the simple stuff.

BV