shariew

Happy Father’s Day!  Dad always got the short end of the stick when it came to this holiday.  His birthday was June 18th.  This meant his birthday was always without fail combined with Father’s Day.  He got one gift.  I did splurge and get two sets of cards, but that was it.  We have a tradition in my family.  Everyone gets two cards.  One funny and one sentimental.  Dad started this tradition.  I don’t know why, and I don’t know when, but it didn’t matter the occasion, birthday, anniversary, etc., everyone received two cards.  One was bound to insult you and make you smile while the other would touch you and make you cry.

I speak past tense about Dad because this will be the second birthday/Father’s day he is not with us.  Last year I still bought him cards.  I don’t know if I will this year or not.  Dad was my biggest supporter and my harshest critic.  He stood up for me and let me have it with booth barrels.  He was my dad.  He was there.  He didn’t make every activity I was ever in, but he made the important ones.  He didn’t support all of my life decisions, but he never stopped loving me, or supporting me.

That is what Father’s do.  That is what Father’s Day celebrates.  The fathers who set boundaries but kiss boo boos.  Set examples, make mistakes, and then work to correct them. Love their children unconditionally but hold them accountable for their behaviors.  Knowing the difference between the two.  Helping their children reach for the stars while building a good foundation to get their.

Father’s can be biological as mine was. They can marry into the position, or they can be a neighbor, family member,  or friend that sees a need and steps up to fill a void.  This is not to knock women, because we do an awesome job at being able to do it all, and still run circles around everyone else.  But there is something to be said about a male role model.  There are two sides to every equation.  There must be balance.  A Father’s role is important in the development of character and identity of an individual.  Again, if the biological father is nothing more than a sperm donor, and there are a lot of those out there.  I know many have stepped up to fill the role that had been traditionally the Father’s.  Uncles, Brother’s, Neighbors, Teachers, etc.,  I offer a happy Father’s day to you for filling a void, and showing what I was blessed to have.

If you are blessed to have your father still with you, even if your relationship is not the best.  Wish him a Happy Father’s Day. If he has shown you nothing else, he has shown you what not to do, and that is a lesson learned.  To those who have been blessed as I was.  Embrace him and thank him, cherish the time you have with him.  Love him, tease him, and treasure this day in his honor.