A Father's Day Post

"I've looked into the eye of this island, and what I saw was beautiful."

-John Locke

At this point, I have already shared a few social media anecdotes about Matt and the girls watching Lost together. But really, it's more than a passing mention. It’s the popcorn-on-a-crowded-couch embodiment of my heart swelling. 

A couple of months ago, Matt decided to begin rewatching Lost from start to finish. He had made peace with the way the series ended 9 years ago. He was ready to walk through it all again, this time more thoughtfully. Reflectively. He watched two episodes before realizing the girls might want to join him. I’d already announced that I would be a mysterious hitchhiker on his journey, coming and going when the mood struck me. But the girls were all in. 

Their participation began slowly— they’d watch an episode here and there. In between, Matt would painstakingly record the episodes they’d missed by taking pictures of the TV and walking them through the events during dinner, scrolling through each pivotal scene. “This is when Boon got in the plane hanging over the side of the cliff. This is when Jack tried to MacGyver a blood transfusion for him.” (If you’re still planning on watching this show — more power to you! — I won’t tell you how that part ends.)

But after a while, the customized recaps became tedious and felt insufficient. Instead, Matt started chipping away at the series during the girls’ waking hours— usually a long Friday night stretch wherein they would watch two episodes and maybe one or two more, go to bed too late, and wake up wanting to talk about the marvels they’d seen.

Our dinner conversations have become very Lost-focused and deeply philosophical. 

“Dad, who’s your favorite bad guy?” 

“Is there really a 'bad' guy? Or are we dealing with complex characters with very human motivations. If their motives are good, can they really be all bad?”

Forks clanking. Thoughtful silence. 

“Woah yeah.”

And then Phoebe will start the whole conversation over again, or bring a discussion about frozen waffles back to her changing feelings surrounding Claire’s character. “I used to like her before she started hanging out in a cabin with her dead dad.” 

Phoebe might be the most enamored of all. She spent a morning drive to preschool reciting her running tally of every character who has died (so far). She’s drawn Lost pictures at school and dragged her teacher into this strange place. “Miss Meghan might come over and watch Lost with us sometime. Her husband loved that show.”

She has very distinct likes and dislikes. She likes Sayid’s hair. She likes everything about Sayid. She hates “all the birth.”

Now, these intrepid explorers are three episodes into the final season. Their sessions have become more serious, their feelings for the characters more deeply rooted in their own emotions. It’s not just their bedtime that’s on the line— it’s their hearts too. 

These days, few things make me happier than watching the girls fly through Friday night dinner, cramming carrot sticks in their mouths and throwing plates in the sink so they can get in three episodes before the party ends. 

Few things make me happier than hearing them laugh and gasp and scream from the basement. “Cover your eyes!” Matt announces, as he launches throw pillows at splayed fingers covering wide peepers. They have seen a lot of “ketchup” lately. (My apologies to their future therapists.)

Nothing makes me happier than how happy they are to gather with their Dad and lose themselves in another world, together. After watching Matt parent for nearly a decade, THIS is it. This is Matt Kraemer’s Premium Fathering™ at its finest: so sincerely passionate. So excited to get his kids in on the joke. So inspired to share things he loves in such a loving way. 

On this adventure, I’m a voluntary outsider. A popcorn bringer. An “I’ll join you for the scene where _____” or a “Mom, you don’t want to miss this part” participant. I chose this place. I’m happy here— an observer of a father at his finest. 

Happy Father’s Day, Matt Kraemer. I love you. Your kids love you. And if we have to go back to the island, I’m so relieved we have your passion to help guide us. 

Oh, and a note from Phoebe, for the few remaining episodes: More man buns. Less birth. Please.