Hi everyone, it's Stephanie Klauck here with a blog post that's near to my heart. The idea of sharing a card for a guest father's day post here on the SCT blog seemed impossible to me… how could I possibly share a card created for a father when I myself no longer have one? Ironically, this year father's day falls on the 2nd year anniversary of my dad's death, so it goes without saying that this is a pretty tough day for me. We were extremely close and I miss him every day, but even more on these two days that somehow ended up as one this year.
But then I started thinking about it and I realized a couple of things… cards are important, and special, and touch people in ways you might not even realize. And there are other 'fathers' in our lives that should be celebrated and loved on this special day.
About six months after my father passed away, I was cleaning out some boxes and bins in my closet and I came across the card pictured in the photo above. Now my father was one of the best card givers I have ever known and I'm pretty sure that my love of cards and cardmaking is a direct result of the thought and effort he put forth every holiday by giving me the perfect card. But for some reason, I didn't remember this card and I have no memory of actually receiving it from him.
When I opened it, the usual LOVE DAD XOXO in all caps was followed by a message he had written that I will hold close to my heart always. That card is one of my most treasured items that my father left me. He probably had no idea when he wrote those words and tucked that card into that envelope, how important it would be to me now and how much I would cherish it.
As much as this holiday is hard for me in my role as a daughter, I have an amazing husband who is an awesome dad and it's important to me that he knows this and gets to feel special on father's day. And my husband has a really great dad who plays an important role in our lives so he should be celebrated too. What better way to celebrate them than with a handmade card that includes a special message inside. Men love giving and receiving cards as much as women do, or at least my dad did. I know this because I found every single card I had ever made him tucked inside a shoe box in his house. :)
If you've lost a parent, it can be hard to create emotional, sentimental cards for others on father's day (and mother's day). So don't. Have fun with it and create cards that are fun to make and don't pull at your heart strings as much. I created this barbecue themed card for my husband this year because he loves to grill and it was just fun to make.
So this father's day, even though a piece of my heart will ache for my own father who isn't here, I will smile and think of him as I hand the cards I created with love, to the other men in my life. Because at the end of the day, I will know that he is a part of each and every card that I make.
XOXO.
Looking for more card inspiration, be sure to visit Stephanie's blog! We spotted this gorgeous card and so many others!
TFS! LOVE THE STORY OF YOUR SPECIAL CARD AND HOW THOSE THEN OVERLOOKED WORDS NOW MEAN SO VERY MUCH!THE POWER OF THE HANDWRITTEN WORD…
GREAT CARDS TOO!
What a wonderful memory of your Dad! Thank you for sharing that moment with me!
LOVE your card too! Very fun and fitting! TFS!
Big hugs, Stephanie! It is a blessing to be able to celebrate those who touch our lives by creating something handmade to give to them! Thanks for the reminder and inspiration!!!
Stephanie – thank you for sharing your story. I needed to read this today. I lost my father eight years ago, and special days are still a challenge for me. I’ve come to accept that it is ok to feel sad, and also necessary to celebrate and treasure the memories I have of my Dad. Your message of celebrating the other important people in our lives is so important. It’s also a reminder of how much difference a little handwritten note makes to our loved ones. Hugs!
Hugs to you Stephanie. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Stephanie, what a lovely story. Thank you for sharing it with us. Beautiful Fathers Day card.
Thanks for sharing your story. It’s so wonderful you have such a concrete reminder of your father and his love for you. Great bbq card too!
Beautiful story about your Father Stephanie! I agree with Kelly A above saying the ‘power of the handwritten word’. Who will have texts sent to their loved ones 5, 8, 15 yrs from now??? This makes me glad once again that I am a hoarder; I have kept many, many cards, little letters etc from those loves in my life! Really like the barbecue card as well!! Have a lovely day!!
Such a sweet story about your Dad and his thoughtful cards. I’m so sorry for your loss and will be thinking of you with a little prayer this Father’s Day. Your card turned out so fun–Your husband is going to love it! :)
The Bar-B-Q card is amazingly simply yet great looking!
Super FABULOUS card for Dad!