I was inspired to follow in Michael Ruhlman's footsteps on this Father's Day morning.  He posted a very simple and heartfelt post on his blog with photos of his father.  Like me, he lost his dad and Father's Day for those of us without fathers is about remembering.  It can be sad and a bit heavy-hearted.  His post was dedicated to Father's Without Fathers.  Mine is dedicated to Sons and Daughters Without Fathers.... 

My dad was killed in an airplane crash when I was 11 years old.  He loved to fly his Cessna 310 in air-shows and was in an accident while practicing for one in California.  On July 25th, 2010 it will be the 30 year anniversary of that fateful day. It was tragic... more than you know. I guess he was fortunate that he died doing what he loves... but we all wish it he had stayed around just a little longer.

I'm was very lucky to have had such an adventurous and fun-loving father.  He was that guy... outgoing and a "guy's guy" with a personality that was contagious.  

Richard Merrill was everyone's friend and he was a great dad who did what he could to make the universe revolve around his little girl.  Like everyone, he wasn't perfect and made his mistakes but at the end I'm lucky to be his daughter.

My dad is survived by his brother, Ken... the best uncle anyone could have.  He has been like a father to me in many ways and even walked me down "the isle."  Well, more like a dirt path since I was married next to a waterfall in Kauai.  He has been like a father to most of us in my family. We're lucky that he also has all of the fun-loving, adventurous (also a private pilot ... he once had a full grown 500 lb tiger as a passenger in his airplane ....another long story) and caring qualities we loved in my dad.  

So, Happy Father's Day to you Ken... and thanks for filling in during those special moments ... birthdays, graduations, christmas's, marriage... when my dad couldn't be there.  I love you!

For those of you who find yourself this Father's Day without your father . . . I wish you a very happy day of remembrance filled with only sweet memories . . . not the sad ones.  And I hope you had someone else who was there for you during those important mile-markers in life.  Not all "fathers" are biological but they are just as special and should be celebrated.

If you feel like sharing a memory about your own dad, I would love to read about him and your memories.  Just post those thoughts in the comments section below.