Jun 10
19
Fathers and Father’s Day
Senora Smart Dodd was raised by her father. She thought about a day to honor her father as she sat at church on Mother’s Day in 1909. In 1924, President Coolidge proclaimed the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day. Today, we celebrate Father’s Day on the third Sunday each June.
I have known many wonderful fathers in my life. My own father was always a loving and calming influence in my life. My favorite story to illustrate this point comes from my teenage years when I was a new driver. Our family car was a station wagon. We lived in a house with a double carport with a pole between the two car parking places. I was coming home and I misjudged the distance. You guessed it, I hit the pole and scraped the side of the car. I was so scared that my dad would be mad. It was silly of me to worry because my dad was always so kind to everyone. (One of the things I am trying to learn from him.)
True to my father, his reaction when my mother told him of my mistake, was: “That pole was always too close anyway.” I was safe, I was loved, I was okay.
I have also observed first hand the father of my children. I have watched as he has cared for our children. During my last preganancy, sixteen years ago, there were many complications and so for many of the last fifteen years, he has been both father and mother to our childen as I have not been well enough to attend performances or programs. He is the one who was always there to see their special moments. I would go when I could. He was always there. His devotion to me and to our family has never wavered. I don’t know how we would have survived without him. He has taught our children well. He has loved us. He has cared for us.
I have also been privileged to observe how my sons are great fathers too. I watch as they nuture their children. I see them assist their beautiful wives. I see them speak with loving voices to correct. I hear the love that they have for each child in their voices and I can feel how each of then cares for their children and wife. My favorite times are as all of our family is gathered together to sing, to play, to love, to pray. How blessed we are with good fathers!
“A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty.” ~Author Unknown
There are so many fathers who fit this description. To all the fathers, grandfathers, great grandfathers, uncles, etc. Happy Father’s Day!
