06/21/2026
Hello Sweet Friends ~
This Father's Day, I find myself reflecting on unconditional love - something pure and vast, safe and enveloping, it's difficult to adequately describe. I've had the privilege of witnessing it, receiving it, and giving it, and it's only through having it modeled for me that I am able to pass it on. And for this I thank my sweet dad.
My dad's love for me is one of the few things in my life that has been ongoing and consistent. Something I never doubted. His love was the ultimate form of safety. Even when we disagreed, I knew he loved me. Dad taught me how to hold space for another's suffering, how to convey empathy without words, to literally wrap another human in love with a meaningful embrace. French Canadians are not shy about expressing love physically - kissing (always on both cheeks) and hugging are a natural part of our family's culture, and indeed I credit their longevity to this deep love for one another.
Humans are quite imperfect. We make mistakes. We humble ourselves. We lack grace. We have bad habits.
Humans are also remarkable and creative. Endlessly inspiring, we support one another and show up for each other. We guide and teach.
Love is the one thread that is present in all of that. Don't we all deserve some love when we are in error? When we are hurting, what makes it better? Love. Big, deep, unconditional love. And when we have something to celebrate? We come together with those we love and our hearts swell with joy. When we are so joyful and full of love, it can bring tears to our eyes. Those tears carry away all the excess joy and love, lest we be overwhelmed by the vastness of it all.
The hardest part of unconditional love is giving it. It's hard not to have expectations of those around us, but the practice of unconditional love requires that we love all of the person - their unflattering traits, too - and we allow them to become who they are and want to be - not who we want them to be. I'm sure Dad worried about me from time to time, but he always allowed me my mistakes, and never once said I told you so or offered me unsolicited advice. He let me figure things out for myself unless I asked for help, and when I did, he never made me feel shameful in asking for assistance. That's some of the hardest, and best, parenting a person can give, and I am ever so grateful he picked me to be his daughter.
This Father's Day, in honor of Rolland, let's spread some extra love around. Plant it in seeds of extra patience, a longer hug, and holding comfortable silence with a beloved. Let's see how much love we can express without words - through a smile, a wink, or a gentle touch that says, "I'm here, and I love you."
May we remain vigilant to our practice. 🙏🏼