More often than not, Father’s Day is a holiday forsaken by many. Maybe it is the stereotypical gender dynamics that subject men to dull power tools and neckties for gifts rather than buoyantly symbolic pieces (like flowers on Mother’s Day) – or perhaps this day simply does not hold the same level of sincerity as Mother’s Day for a large population.
But rather than playing favorites, let’s start appreciating our parent’s sacrifices because one important thing to understand is that fathering a child and being a dad are two different concepts. Being a father just takes a single sperm cell, while being a dad is a title to be earned and proven worthy of celebration – for it champions a lifetime of dedication to family.
Since the day you were born, your father has always just been…there, but that does not mean he was there for nothing. He held your hand through it all – and if not – he had your back in the toughest moments, he was one of the first best friends that you never asked for.
Like all mothers, fathers also play major roles in our lives, they are the prime pillars in developing the content of our characters – and parallel to juggling motherhood, the responsibilities down the trail of fatherhood does not show an endgame.
Count all the years dad acted as your “partner-in-crime,” your go-to man for advice, all the while acting as the middleman by trying to “negotiate” with mom when she says no. As parents, they always feel a sense of duty toward their children, to be a role model – an emotionally dependable parental figure to influence who we are for the better.
Even after you grow older and move out, his mind will be set straight. Heartwarmingly, he will continue to offer unsolicited support: nurturing, guiding, inspiring.
Father’s should not be raised on a pedestal for the sake of one holiday because this alone isn’t enough to honor the lifetime of commitment that they have shown us. We need to take the time to show our fathers that their efforts do not go unnoticed, and just how much we appreciate their wholeheartedness in its entirety.
Let’s utilize this special day to return the favor, so don’t be afraid to utter out some words of thanks, or simply mumble an “I love you” every once in a while. After all…
“A father’s shadow is like the shade of a tree under the sun, sheltering his children from the problems that come for them.” – Arun Govil.
