Father’s Day
The day we commemorate our Dads. In retail, it’s a significantly lesser holiday than even President’s Day, or Memorial Day. But have you ever forgotten Mother’s Day? Doubtful.
Why then, is Father’s Day such a diminutive occasion? Why did poets say that if it were natural for men to be good fathers, there wouldn’t be so many laws commanding them to do so?
Sis and I conference called our dad this morning at 5am. We sang and read a poem and made him open his gift whilst on the phone with us. I can count on just one hand the number of people I know whose parents are still married. Times have been altered, hence my disbelief in true love. In fact, most people I know find father’s day to be just another mark on the calendar.
I’ve been blessed, I suppose. I’ve crossed paths with a few men who were worthy enough to shoulder that responsibility with grace.
My own father at first, then Ed. Now Vern.
One does not exceed or surmount the other. They’re just different in their approach. My father, the strong, silent sentinel. Ed, the gregarious, affectionate Marine. Vern, the calm and steady hand that stills my rocky waters.
I needed them all. At various times. Men worthy of my adoration. There have been few, compared with all those women sages in my life, that have measured up to my steep criteria. But today I honor them.
I give thanks for their emphasis and impact on my life. Three men. Three men who burrowed their way, through thought and action, into my heart. I love you. Thanks for your force and presence in my life. I need you now, will need you always.
Happy, happy Father’s Day.
Annette said:
on June 20, 2006 at 1:27 am
I’ve forgotten Mother’s Day before – of course, my mom and I are so close, along with the rest of the family, that the day is really no different than any other. or, to put it another way, I suppose, every day is Mother’s Day.
Father’s Day? An entirely different story, and never a hugely important day to me, given the father figures that have been in my life. Your mileage varies, and I’d count that as a good thing. You’re very eloquent, and who can resist the effusive praise you give to those important to you?
Dee said:
on June 21, 2006 at 11:35 am
The effusive praise is a long time coming. I wasn’t always so generous. Just ask those who knew me pre-1996. Or not. They’d be likely to have forgotten me. As is should be.