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By JOYANNA LOVE/Senior Staff Writer

Everyone needs to feel special and appreciated once in a while and dads today is your day.

I hope that each of you have someone who planned something to show you how much they care.

To children of all ages, recognition does not have to be expensive or elaborate. Think about what would mean the most to your father. You can show him you care — even if you forgot a gift or a card.

Many times on holidays my dad just says he just wants us to be together — when that’s possible — or just for us all to be healthy, etc.

Phone calls have become the way I communicate with my dad most since I have lived in a separate state nearly my entire adult life.

I remember in college (also out-of-state) and when I moved out on my own, I could count on dad to call me if he had not heard from me in a while.

Many local dads may be facing transitions this summer as their recent high school graduates prepare to leave home for college or a career in the near future. Remember your college students or entry-level career adult will still need you, even if they do not admit it.

Dads, take time to remember the things you did right, the special memories you made, rather than simply dwelling on all the things you would change if you could.

Sometimes while I’m driving, I still hear my dad’s voice in my head giving the guidance and direction he did when he was teaching me to drive

Dads, sometimes it really is just the small things that mean the most. I still remember the surprise pizza and movies from the library —back when the second trilogy of Star Wars was just coming out and I hadn’t seen the first one. I still remember the few times we walked to the store down the street to get 7-11 Slurpees when I was in elementary school.

Each one made me and my sisters feel special.

For those who still live near your dad, go make some more memories.

For those who live far away, call your dad — it might just make his day.