Ivan Reitman’s Daughter Catherine Reflects on Her First Father’s Day Without Him: ‘I’d Absorb Every Moment’
19.06.2022 - 17:41
/ variety.com
Catherine Reitman My father died on Super Bowl Sunday. The night before, he had told me — in his signature style of sincere but “got places to be” — that he was proud of me. He then went to sleep and never woke up.
Today, four months later, we celebrate Father’s Day.I’ve always thought the purpose of Father’s Day was to give dads a nice meal. An amusing gift. A few hours of praise and priority, before the wave of ordinary life crashes us back into our routine.
But outside of a few hours of smiling, there must be a deeper meaning to why we celebrate the men who brought us into this world. I’ve spent the last seven years of my career writing about the sacrifices and journeys of working mothers. Perhaps it’s time I take a moment to explore one man who shared this burden.
I owe my extraordinary father that much. Last year at this time, I would have charged into brunch, hugged my dad, given a cheers and plowed through whatever meal we happen to be serving. All the while, worrying about whatever obstacle I had on the horizon that week.
I would now happily burn my career to the ground to have a day by his side. Hell, I’d sit in a crocodile’s mouth to have five minutes with the guy. If I were able to be with him on this Father’s Day, I’d express my appreciation for him.
I’d absorb every moment. Ask one million questions that I was too narcissistic to ask before. I’d dance with him.
Laugh with him. Hug him until he said, “Enough already,” laughing, though clearly fed up. I wouldn’t criticize his crappy diet, or waste time nagging him to drink more water.
He didn’t die of dehydration, after all. I’d order us Chinese food and a couple of Diet Cokes and spend the afternoon floating happily in his company. Then again, if he were
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