Four Simple Steps to Writing a Father's Day Tribute

Writing a Tribute for Father's Day would be a great way to honor your Dad. A tribute shows appreciation, respect, or affection. It is a gift that is spoken or written of praise. Father's Day is June 15, a little less than two weeks away. Why not get started? 

This writing will thrill him, especially if it is from the heart. The book "The Tribute " is available for free through the Internet Archive and provides extensive examples and suggestions to help readers understand the concept. I have summarized and simplified the process for you. 

You can write a tribute as a gift in Four Simple Steps.

1. Search your heart to get ready to honor your parent

2. Make a memory list

3. Outline by organizing a list

4. Write a Tribute

Step One: Get your heart ready

First, prepare your heart by praying and spending time in God's presence. Ask God if there is any hurtful way in me, and lead me in anything you need to deal with first: anything you need to forgive. Journal your thoughts. The goal is to honor your Dad, not to bring up guilt in his life or yours. 

Step Two: Brainstorm

Next, you need to brainstorm. This is the longest part of the process. You are collecting all the memories you can and writing about them, as well as all that comes to mind. Take a few minutes and think of who you might want to honor with a tribute. 

Then, ask these questions: What do you see? How do they smell? What sounds do you think of when you think of this person? What tastes (maybe their favorite dessert or treat)? What funny things do they say? What conversations do you remember? What do they do? What places do you remember going with them? What vacations? How do they help you? What activities do you remember? Where do they like to go? What do they want to do? Try to find 10-15 topics or things you can write down from brainstorming. 

Other ideas to help brainstorm:

Funniest moments

Phrases in your family

Nicknames in your family 

Favorite birthday

Friends think of your mom or Dad

What are you like: Personality, skills, habits

Affection, character qualities

What was your favorite gift you received from them?

What were your happiest moments as a child?

What holiday traditions did you observe?

What problems did they help you with as a child? 

Step Three: Sort the topics into groups to organize and outline them into three or five paragraphs or more.

For each topic, turn it into a statement. 

For example:

Memory                     Statement

Hard worker,                "I never, ever worried that I wouldn't have the things I needed because you are                                               such a hard worker."

Step Four: 

Begin with an introduction, body paragraphs, and then a conclusion. 

The Introduction should explain why you are writing the tribute.

The Body paragraph or paragraphs should turn memory into a sentence or two by telling the story.

The Conclusion summarizes your appreciation for all they have done and how they have influenced you. 

Have someone proofread to catch any grammar or spelling errors you may have missed, and then design and present the gift.