As a dad, Father’s Day is for me always a bit of a reflection point on how I think I’m doing with my 3 kids (thanks Hallmark!). But this year will be a little different.  It’s the first year since my dad passed away.  

Always the optimist, I truly believe he’s in a much better place after battling a host of health issues and in that vein, I find myself thinking back on the happy memories and how they relate to me being a father today.  

And it’s these memories that remind me of what’s important.  It wasn’t the toys, the (many) computers or even the pimptastic, used 1984 maroon Buick LeSabre sedan he bought me - it was the experiences.  Whether it was a concert trip - first to see Kenny Rodgers and Dolly Parton and then to see Ozzy and Motley Crue (!); a family trip to the stockyards for a rodeo; or simply at home putting in a new pool slide or fixing Old Betsy (the before-mentioned ‘84 Buick). These are lasting memories of him and me that I’ll never forget. 

When I helped clean out my parent’s house after he passed there were a lot of “oh, I remember that” mentions and I think that makes the point.  “Things” don’t really matter or last (well, some do in a dirty attic), but the personal experiences do. Always in our thoughts and in who we are as people.

So, as I think on all of this for the spectacular quarantine edition of Fathers Day 2020, I try to take a breath (I really need it in this house) and try to find ways to create little experiences with my family where I can.  And for the big ones, figure out how I can make them even more special.  

This is why I love the Aero mission to “Elevate.”

At Aero, we want our passengers to truly enjoy their trips or perhaps, just make them a little easier - as was the case when my family took Aero back home for my dads’ funeral.  Aero tries to take out the modern day burden that comes with commercial flying so that your memories can be greater, untainted by poor travel experiences. We hope we do that and, perhaps, we can help you dad’s out there make great memories for your families. Happy Fathers Day!

~ Cleve