The Joy of a Father

Following the death of my grandmother, my dad and I set out on a bittersweet journey to return some family mementos to his uncle in California. On the second day of our trip, Dad asked me if I had ever been to the Grand Canyon. When I said I had not, Dad declared that a side trip was in order. He couldn't allow me to come this near without seeing this natural wonder.

As we made our way from Interstate 40 to the south rim of the canyon, it became overcast – almost dreary. Upon arriving at Grand Canyon National Park, the overcast had turned to a light mist and…fog! My dad’s disappointment was palpable. He wanted so much for me to see the canyon in its entire splendor. But with the fog, the best I could do was to look down the near wall from an overlook. Though I could perceive its depth, I could not see the canyon floor nor could I begin to see across it.

I tried to cheer my dad with hollow-feeling words of “It’s OK, Dad. It’s the thought that counts.” I did appreciate his effort, but was equally disappointed. I vowed to return some day, but knew it wouldn’t be the same. Dad suggested that we stick around a while longer. If the fog would clear even a little, I might get some sense of the canyon’s spectacle. Little could either of us have known how that perseverance would pay off.

Sometime later – it may have only been minutes, but the disappointment made it seem like hours – a gentle breeze began to blow. As it blew down through the canyon, the fog began to shift. It lifted right out of the canyon to reveal a wonderful, sun-drenched view. This is a moment I will never forget.

Many will have seen the Grand Canyon. Some may even see fog rise like a theatre curtain to reveal the beauty of the canyon more slowly. But only my dad and I will share our pure joy in that moment – a father being able to “deliver” one of the world’s treasures to his son. He was able to witness my first viewing of the Grand Canyon. And, just as the fog lifted to reveal the canyon, I got to witness my dad’s disappointment lift to reveal his joy.

[Originally posted on FaithWriters.com - January 2008.]