What 2020 Has Taught Me About My Relationship With My Dad

2020 will turn out to be a year like no other for most of us. My daughter, Tara, and I had a conversation recently and she said that she didn't realize how much she misses going to a Binghamton Devils hockey game. She can't wait till we can go again and she wants to ask her friends to join her.

For me, the one big thing that I learned is that I needed to tell the people that have made a difference in my life, how much they mean to me. Believe it or not, it's not easy for me to tell how I feel on a personal level.

One of the people that have made a difference in my life is celebrating his 78th birthday today, December 8th and he's my dad, Carl Pitcher. To many, he is known as "Bugs" but to me, he'll always be "Pops."

I don't take him for granted but I probably haven't told him about the positive difference he's made. Just like my daughter missing the hockey games, it was a canceled sporting event that made me realize this.

Ever since the Champions Tour came to En-Joie Golf Course for the DICK'S Sporting Goods Open, Dad and I would get together in the morning on the final day and watch some of the best golfers over 50 in the world play. I can't tell you who won last year's event but I remember who I watched it with and some of the conversations that we had.

They call Friday night at the DSG Open, "the social event of the year" but for me, it doesn't come close to a Sunday afternoon with Pops at En-Joie Golf Course.

There is only one perfect Father and I'll meet him someday but my dad isn't that far behind. So Happy Birthday Pops and I can't wait until early July when we'll be at the final day of the 50th anniversary of golf in Broome County during the DSG Open.

What event happened that made you appreciate those around you?