by Brian Chartier

Created on: June 13, 2008

T'is Father's day. Well what dad would not appreciate a new tie or weed-whacker? How about some socks or a case of his favourite beer?

Well needless to say that while a polite "thank you" would most likely arise from dear old dad upon receiving the above gifts they will not be his most memorable.

Here is the worst of the worst......

Once upon a time dad was shopping for a new family vehicle. This was way back in the mid 1960's but the gesture would still apply today.

He brought home a grey, Oldsmobile Delta 88 to show us and see what we thought. Everyone in the family went ga-ga over the car. It smelled new and had great options like a rear-speaker for the radio and tinted glass. It also boasted white-walled tires and a power truck release which would be great for hockey practices in the fall. Dad would not have to get out of the car and open the trunk.

Though this was merely a show and see we were certain dad would buy this car. So being that Father's Day was on Sunday I went card shopping.

Lo and behold, I found a card that boasted about dad being so special because he found a way to buy the family a new car. It was not until after the dreaded day that I found out that dad was unable to borrow the money needed for the Olds and hence the old 63 Dynamic 88 would have to do for a few more years. It was then that I realized and still remember to this day how pointless the card was (the gift was a new key-chain, which at least could be used for the old car). I felt awkward and shy because of my blunder. Needless to say, I believe this to be the worst Father's day ever.

It ranks up there with:

polka dot ties
green socks
a hammer
a box of nails
a screwdriver
underwear (that has a subliminal message to it)
CD's of 1970 hits (were there any?)
a strobe light (not that anyone but dad would understand this)

In my opinion any gift can be seen to be the worst ever if it is useless or pointless. It can be a card or anything for that matter. If your father has little or no use for it it will be seen as having had very little thought put into it. It is not about the price or the size of the gift. I remember calling home from a vacation in Barbados to wish dad a happy father's day. That turned-out to be the best gift ever! So be wise and insightful when deciding what to buy dad this father's day. It need not be expensive, only from the heart!
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

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