KARZMER: Can, wish big part of Father’s Day

Today brings two of those special summer traditions ... Father’s Day and the final round of the U.S. Open.

I can’t explain why, but as I tried to pinpoint a talking point for this week’s column, I feel like I continued to see one sad story after another. I read about a tragic accident that cost the life of a young boy in Columbus and saw a heartbreaking post about a man similar in age to myself battling cancer here in town.

And the more I thought about what to write about, the more I considered the difference, and the thankfulness, between the words “can” and “wish”.

I am beyond thankful that I can tell my father and father-in-law Happy Father’s Day again this year.

My father has taught me more than anyone in my life, and I can’t thank him enough for his love and support over the years.

And I sure wish my grandpas were still alive so I could tell them Happy Father’s Day one more time.

I can also tell my brother Justin Happy Father’s Day for the first time as he and his wife, Katie, recently welcomed their first child, a baby girl named Charlotte not too long ago. And I can recognize my brother-in-law Justin Gable as he’s the great dad of two little ones — Finnegan and Sylvie.

From a golf standpoint, I wanted to touch on two quick thoughts.

The first is regarding the U.S. Open. As a lifelong golfer, I couldn’t imagine winning the U.S. Open ... let alone on Father’s Day … let alone with my dad there on 18 to congratulate and celebrate with me.

It obviously doesn’t happen every year like that, but I’d remind everyone that watches later to see the whole telecast through. The golf will hopefully be exciting. But the possible father-son congratulatory embrace always chokes me up.

The second is to my golf “family” at The Lake Club. Mr. Ed Muransky, the owner of the club, has been so welcoming and influential in my life since acquiring the old Fonderlac Country Club in 2008. He has built an amazing facility and membership, and I can’t thank him enough for creating an atmosphere that has meant, and continues to mean, so much to my family and I every summer.

And to all my “guys” from the game I regularly play in, a lot of them dads themselves. You know I’m a softy at heart, and I’m sure I’ve told you all before, but you guys are the best. You’re literally my summer family. I love you guys and the fun we get to share together. And I look forward to “getting in the cookie jar” for many, many, more fun years to come.

So to everyone out there still using the word can, I hope you have a special Father’s Day with the special people in your life.

And to everyone out there wishing … I hope happy memories of loved ones gone by bring you solace on this holiday that takes on a new dynamic as it continues even after our loved ones pass on.

For me, the best part of celebrating Father’s Day is easy — being a dad. My daughters Stella and Vivienne (no offense to the great people mentioned above!) bring more joy and pride into my life than anything in this world.

I’m sure their mom will have helped put together great presents and cards for this special day. But there’s honestly nothing better in the world than watching my daughter Stella wake up in the morning, look me in the eyes, smile, and say “good morning, daddy.”

Happy Father’s Day, friends.

Jonah Karzmer is a former golf professional who writes a Sunday golf column for The Vindicator. In his spare time he sells commercial insurance and loves getting feedback on his weekly columns via email at Jonah@thekarzmerinsurance.com.