Happy Father's Day

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Southshore Story Time

The Circus Town

Part Four

It’s not advertised. No one talks about it in public. But among those who’ve lived here long enough, there’s a story told softly, always after dark.

They call it The Parade After Midnight.

No floats. No banners. Just shadows. A slow line of figures moving along the edge of town never seen in full, but always accompanied by something soft. The creak of old wood. The faint rustle of canvas. The feeling that someone is watching you… kindly. But watching all the same.

A few claim to have seen Al leading the way, his long coat brushing the ground, Jeanie beside him, her silver hair pinned with a red ribbon. Most don’t see anyone. They just know not to look out the window when the fog rolls in.

Three years ago, a newcomer to Gibsonton set up a drone to record it. He laughed off the warnings.

The drone crashed. The footage cut out.
And in the days that followed, his home was found empty. No sign of him. No signs of struggle. Just a single chair left on the porch, turned toward the street.

And on it: a folded paper program.

No date. No location.
Just the words:

“Tonight Only. All Acts Return.”

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Hat’s Off To All The Dad’s Out There

There’s a saying, “A father is a son’s first hero and a daughter’s first love.”
Unfortunately, I never had any daughters, but I’ve certainly done my best to answer the call to be a superhero. No seriously, I have a costume, secret identity and everything.

But today isn’t really about me. (Well... maybe just a little.)
Mostly, I want to take a moment to honor my own father and all the fathers who have shaped and molded their sons, protected and guided their daughters, and showed up in ways big and small.

Their quiet strength, steady guidance, and countless sacrifices have shaped the lives around them in ways that words could never fully capture.

We may not always say it, but we see you. We remember. We’re grateful.

To all the fathers reading this, whether you're a dad, stepdad, granddad, father figure, or someone who simply showed up, this one’s for you.

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Because let’s be honest… dad deserves more than a new tie.

Dear Dad,

Thank you for standing tall, even when the weight of the world rested on your shoulders.
Thank you for showing me how to lead with honor, even when no one was watching.
Thank you for every calloused hand, every early morning, every unspoken worry.
Thank you for all the “you’ve got this” and “I believe in you.”
Thank you for fixing what broke — even when it was your own heart.
Thank you for protecting me before I even knew I needed protecting.
Thank you for your patience, even when I tested every inch of it.
Thank you for teaching me to be strong, but not hard.
And thank you, most of all, for loving me in your own quiet, unwavering way.

Even if I don’t always say it — I see you. I carry your lessons with me every day.

I may grow older, but I’ll always be proud to be your kid.

Happy Father’s Day.

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