My daughter lost her step dad on Labor Day about 10 years ago. He was the only dad she knew. Every Labor Day weekend she is soooo emotional. I always calm her down and tell her he wouldn't want her to be crying over him.
He was a Christian and very spiritual..he loved her spirit and happy disposition. Even though we divorced when she was 10, he later passed away. She loves to cook like I do (LOL), so I said to her today, go and make something your dad would like if he was here this holiday weekend. He loved the holidays! I said, "he would like that." So she did. And her whole attitude turned from tears to happiness.
I got a text 4 hours later. She made bbq ribs, potato salad, grilled chicken and roasted corn. All his favorite holiday foods. Nice! It sounded like she was having a great time!