Salute To Dads | Category: | Editorials (Brenda Fraser) | | Published Date: | June17 2004 | |
CommentsJune is here. Hooray!! Means the end of another school year, means summer has arrived, means holidays. And it also means Father's Day. It is time to give a salute to a lot of terrific Dad's out there-- time to dish out some well-deserved recognition.
You may be a farmer, a funeral director, a pharmacist, a welder, a landscaper or a janitor. You may sport a goatee, be bald, blond, redhead or gray. You may use a cane, ride a bike, roller blade or do karate. You may drive a BMW, a big black limousine or a blue Chevy. You could be on the road as a sales representative or drive trucks-- a true road warrior. You might be a computer tech, produce videos or garden for extra profit. You may refinish antique furniture and rebuild your son's bike just for fun. No matter if your child lives in Spain, or in the house next door--- if your children are grown and gone, or if you have a beautiful 3 year old princess that rules your world. You may work from home, the kitchen table as your desk or you may fly half way around the world, to work in oil fields in far off places. You may be a step-dad, willing to take on another man's child and give all the love you can, willing to fill another man's shoes. You may coach the soccer team, or play hockey on the pond every night, teach curling techniques, watch the latest basketball games to analyze moves or play checkers every chance you can. Golf might be your favorite sport and you strive to teach the finer points of the game to your offspring. Music may be your outlet-- march in a band, practice bagpipes on weekends, strum guitar or bang on drums. Or sail boats to far off shores, fly kites or go fly-fishing whenever possible.
Dad's come in all shapes and sizes, ages from young to old, the cultures and religions vary. Fatherhood can be exhilarating and it can be frustrating, sometimes the rewards are numerous and other times you feel like you're treading water , wondering if any headway will be made. Often the feelings can't be described: the love is overwhelming, the pride too powerful to put into words. Being a parent is a challenge most Dad's would never give up. One new father said he couldn't express how he felt about his new daughter, she is 'everything' to him. Another Dad said his love for his son was unconditional. Worries and concerns arise no matter what age your child is, wanting them to be successful on whatever road they choose. Some Dad's push too hard, some Dad's don't push hard enough--- there is no magical formula.
My Dad was one of the best I've ever known. He had a wonderful sense of humor, loved to laugh and tell jokes. He could visit and tell tales well into the evening. He was a man of the earth, worked hard and paid for everything he owned. Was always willing to give a helping hand to friends and family alike. He was the one with adventure in his soul-- he loved to go driving on Sunday's and explore new roads, anticipating the view around the next curve. His encouragement inspired each of us to do the best we could. I can't say he was perfect, but he was an excellent role model. Well worth salutes.
Now some people may disagree with me and that's o.k--- not all Dad's are worth saluting. You're right, there are some dead-beat Dad's out there. One man flew to France to live, so he wouldn't have to pay child support. Another one sends messages through his 9 year old daughter to her mother-- none of them nice or polite. Some disappear and decide not to have any say in the raising of their children. These men know who they are--- they recognize themselves.
But today the Dad's who give of themselves, who care for their sons and daughters-- hats off to you! These are the men who deserve the recognition. Thanks to you.
A line from a song sums it up:
Fathers don't just love their children every now and then,
It's a love without end.
Amen
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