My thoughts on Father's Day

The two best days of my life – by far – were the ones on which my children, Benjamin and Brielle Hartmann, came into the world.

Winning election to Congress on November 5 would not hold a candle to those two days.

Life has been good to my kids so far. That’s in no small part because my wife Kerri and I were fortunate enough to be able to provide them a loving and safe upbringing. Well, except for the Dad jokes.

Being their father is the greatest honor I’ll ever have.

I also think of myself today as the luckiest kid in the world. My Dad – and my Mom – are my heroes forever. Each would have turned 99 years old this year.

My Mom died at 44 when I was 17. My Dad died at 47 when I was 20. I was an only child, so often in my life, people have expressed sympathy for that luck of the draw.

No need for any of that. I couldn’t have had better parents or a better legacy to try to uphold.

The nicest tribute I ever received came in the form of a St. Louis Business Journal column entitled “Charles and Hanne’s Boy.” It was written by my former business partner Mark Vittert in 1997 on the 20th anniversary of my founding of The Riverfront Times.

I hope your Father’s Day is half as good as mine.