Although my dad passed away 22 years ago, I carry his spirit with me every day. I always felt that I had a special closeness with him as I admired his integrity, humor and kindness.

There were many times in my childhood where my dad and I did things — just the two of us, not including my mom or my older or younger sister.

One of the most memorable was going to see the musical, “The Magic Show.” Although I was around 13 years old, I still remember the song “I Want to Be a Lion Tamer.” The lyrics strike me funny now but it was a great memory.

My dad had a love of magic, and he and I would go to magic shops and find the coolest, newest trick. That’s where I learned the keys to magic: “Never reveal your secret” and “never do the same trick twice in front of the same audience.”

We went to a magic show at the former Painted Bride in Philadelphia. It was three comedic magicians called The Asparagus Valley Cultural Society. Two of those performers were Penn and Teller. I love to say that I saw them way back when. I always wonder what happened to the third person.

I couldn’t have been more than 12, but I remember somebody played the xylophone and one of the magic tricks consisted of someone dressed as a gorilla appearing on the balcony, which made everyone look up as on stage suddenly things “disappeared” while the audience’s eyes were averted.

What these memories are really about is the time shared with my dad and feeling so connected and special.

My friend’s son celebrates his birthday by doing one-on-one activities with each of his three boys. What a wonderful way to celebrate each other.

Another memory I have is when my dad took me to use my new skateboard. It was unforgettable because, unfortunately, while using my skateboard, my dad fell and broke his leg. I was too young to drive at the time and I know the pain he was in as he drove himself to the hospital.

Breaking my own ankle as an adult, I realized how my dad never complained as he went to work in the city (Philly) with crutches by bus and El every single day. We did have a “cast off” party for him, as my mom was always ready to entertain and she was a magnificent party thrower.

My parents always encouraged my interests, from buying me a “dummy” (which I still have) to be a ventriloquist, and a unicycle, which I did teach myself to ride with a stick my dad “made” to help me get on it.

There were times when my dad and I argued. I have two letters he wrote to me after arguing. One is from the year I graduated from high school, and the other from the year I graduated from grad school.

What still astounds me is that his messages to me were loving and forgiving, encouraging me to trust myself. I realized he was in his early 40s when he wrote the first letter, and it amazes me even more how he so readily acknowledged what happened and found a path to resolution.

The time spent with your children is precious and meaningful. It doesn’t have to involve spending; it could literally be a walk in the park. Finding common ground or sharing something new makes it unforgettable.

Whether a “girl dad,” “boy dad,” “girl mom” or “boy mom,” the memories shared have an infinite value.