I just got back from Miami, where I did a Father's Day segment for NBC. That's what I do as a home expert and a designer. I dish out tips, ideas, and around-the-home advice.
For this segment, I brought in some of the usual suspects: electronics, tools and of course, a plug for my upcoming line of seating with Lovesac that launches next week. I always try to take everyday items and find some kind of cool factor- like a remote controlled TV mount or a Bosch drill set (apparently very cool tools). But at the end of the day, I think most Dads would be happiest spending Father's Day just being with their kids and their wives, not busting their balls about something around the house.
My father was always fixing something, always doing something. I had one of those Dads everybody loved. He was a French-born Armenian so he had a cool accent. He was funny, good looking and charming and he was a wonderful father to me. He spoke five languages even though he never graduated college and he was an expert marksman in the U.S. Army. And he could fix anything! Many times, I've pondered if my fascination with home renovation came from him. He could build closets, bookshelves, paint, hang pictures, fix my car, you name it. As a kid, I always thought this was something he really loved, like a hobby. I always thought he'd like a big tool set. But one year I asked him what he wanted for Father's Day and he told me he just wanted to relax. I was living in Miami at the time and he asked me if I was coming up for the weekend. He told me if I did, maybe we could go to City Island for some seafood. His Marseilles roots meant every summer we were on a mission for a decent bouillabaisse he swore you couldn't find in NY because they didn't have the right Provencal herbs. Years have passed since that conversation but I remembered it last night. As I sat behind my laptop toggling through emails from publicists and manufacturers pitching me all the latest and greatest in "Father's Day" gifts, I peered over the top of the screen and saw my husband playing "Ring Around the Rosie" with our two children. They were laughing and smiling and it was like some modern day Norman Rockwell scene. And I thought to myself, that's all he wants for Father's Day. My husband would be his happiest just hanging out with his two children and me not asking him when he's going to get to the proverbial "Honey Do" list. At the end of the day, I think my father and my husband are a fair representation of pretty much every guy out there. So, this Father's Day I will refrain from giving you a variety of gifts "Dad will just love!" and tell you, he already has what he wants.
He has you.
Whether you are successful or struggling, fit or fat, smart or simple. Your Dad would prefer just being with you than getting any drill, golf clubs, IPad or Wine-of-the-month Club-or dare I say, even a Courtney Cachet Limited Edition Lovesac. I say this with all certainty.
That year my father told me he just wanted to relax was the last Father's Day we ever spent together. He was 53 when he passed away in my arms later that year on October 18, 1992 and I miss him every day. I am so grateful I didn't get him the drill that year and bought a plane ticket instead.
Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there. Happy Father's Day to my husband, Aaron. Happy Father's Day to you too, Marc.
Je cherche toujours une bouillabaisse décente à New York.