Not too long ago, as my younger son was winding down for the night, we shared a hug. Just then, he looked up at me and mentioned how he tallied up, well, a bunch of assists in soccer over the years. He didn’t quite remember the exact number, but he was proud of scoring 31 goals. And then he added, “You were there to see it all.”
At that moment, he unknowingly offered me one of the most genuine compliments I’ve ever received.
I’ve never missed a game of his, and I usually find myself at almost all his practices. There have been times when a coach asked me to help out, and honestly, I can’t think of a better way to spend my time than being on the field with my son and his teammates.
Fatherhood is essential — and kids are paying a heavy price in its absence.
When I was four, my father introduced me to skiing. We shared countless weekends in New England, gliding down slopes. Years later, I realized it wasn’t simply about the skiing; it was really about the wonderful moments spent together. Those trips allowed us to bond over various interests like Boston sports, history, and even foreign policy. Our relationship grew, particularly during meals and those long drives. My dad modeled for me the importance of family, even when I stubbornly resisted that idea as a teenager.
On Father’s Day, I think of my friend, Dave Tyson, and Mike Spann — both former CIA operatives. It’s a regret that I never got to meet them face-to-face. They were part of “Team Alpha,” the first U.S. team to enter Afghanistan in the fight against the Taliban after 9/11.
On November 25, 2001, they were working to gather intel from numerous al-Qaeda captives in Mazar-e-Sharif. Spann concentrated on a key detainee, John Walker Lind, who had trained at one of al-Qaeda’s infamous camps. At least seven of the 9/11 hijackers had passed through there, and in the weeks leading up to those tragic events, Lind had reportedly met with Osama bin Laden.
During a violent incident at the prison, Spann heroically fought against overwhelming odds. Meanwhile, Tyson faced challenges in trying to save Spann’s life before he struggled to escape. Spann tragically became the first U.S. casualty in the ongoing fight against Al-Qaeda and the Taliban.
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Spann became a symbol of courage, bravely gathering vital intel amidst danger, aimed at protecting the nation from threats. His legacy continues to inspire those of us who came after him. Spann left behind three children, including a daughter who was just nine at the time of his death. My heart aches for them, especially around Father’s Day.
Tyson’s young son once called his dad’s boots, covered in mud from deployments, “Dad’s lucky boots” when welcoming his father home from a perilous mission.
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That captures my emotions around Father’s Day.
Since my father passed away when I was in my fifties, I cherish every moment spent with my own boys. On this Father’s Day, as with every year, I feel immense gratitude for the joyous moments I’ve shared with my sons.
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