A Very Special Father's Day Gift

Father's day is right around the corner! We know how special this day is to so many of you, and we wanted to spotlight a touching story of a father and his son. We interviewed John Melvin, father of Jack Melvin, who gave us some insight on his special relationship with his son.

What is the most memorable moment you and your son have experienced with each other?

Jack was chosen to throw a first pitch out at the Royals stadium when he was ten. He was so nervous he would not look up from the ground until he was handed the ball near the Royals dugout and we began to walk toward the pitchers mound. It was then that he looked up at the scoreboard and saw himself. He then raised both arms in the air and let out a huge smile. The fans started cheering and by the way, he threw a strike.

What is your favorite part about being a father?

I am so blessed to watch each of my children develop into their own unique person. It is rewarding to walk through life with them and transition from being a parent to developing a priceless friendship as well.

What are you most proud of in your son?

I am so proud of Jack's interpersonal relationships with so many of his good friends. Although he has his share of verbal struggles, he manages to communicate effectively with people. He has a great sense of humor.

What is your favorite activity you and your son do together?

We both love to attend Sporting KC games. Jack has a high comfort level with that stadium which makes it an enjoyable venue for both of us. It does not hurt that Jack developed a personal relationship with Jimmy Neilson, the former Sporting KC goalie, several years ago. Jack still believes Jimmy will be suiting up for Sporting KC at every game we attend.

How are you planning on celebrating Father’s Day?

Father’s Day is always a great day for me as I have 4 wonderful children, 2 boys and 2 girls. However, since Jack was born on Father’s Day 15 years ago, I can’t begin to put into words what that day has meant to me since Jack’s birth. It is more than special – I cannot come up with the words to do it justice.

What is the most valuable thing you learned from your father?

My father never missed an event in which I participated. He was there for every baseball, football, and soccer game. He attended every school play and function I was in. He also volunteered to chaperone events when needed. I have done the same with all four of my children.

Where do you and your family enjoy going to spend time together?

We have always enjoyed family vacations. When the family was younger, we loved taking vacations in the car. As the kids got older, we started flying. Either way, the time we spent together was priceless.

What are some of your hopes for your son in the next 10-15 years?

I am very excited to see Jack grow in his relationships as he enters and goes through high school. I hope to see him reach a maturity that will provide him more independence in his life as he grows up, and hopefully give him the opportunity to one day be on his own, maintain a job, have his own apartment, and other things like that.

What is your favorite Father’s Day memory?

Without question, June 18, 2000 – the day Jack was born. He was actually due 2 weeks later (first week of July). I recall working around the house that Sunday in the afternoon and my wife came in and said, “I think we need to go to the hospital.” So we jumped up, got everything packed. We went to the hospital, and I forgot to bring her overnight bag because I was so excited. By that evening, we had a little boy.