Father’s Day is always a trying time for me. Especially this year.
I’ll spare you the details, but I’m sure that I’m not the only one that has some interesting Family dynamics. Nothing bad or unusual – as a matter of fact my situation is all too typical. But sometimes it’s just “conflicting.” That’s all I have on that subject for now.
But I’ve always wondered… what does Fathers Day really celebrate? We all know the role that Moms play. They carry the “precious cargo” (as my Wife used to say) for months. They endure the pain of childbirth. They provide comfort, nurturing, and firm yet gentle correction when needed. For that reason I always hold Mother’s Day in high regard. They’ve earned it.
But what role do Dad’s play? First of all, trade the pleasure of making love for the pain of childbirth. Trade the congratulatory pats on the back that you get from your buddies, for the burden of carrying the equivalent of a few bags of potatoes around your waist EVERY DAY for months. Not quite a fair deal for our beloved Women, is it?
Then I realized… supporting your expecting Wife is a piece of cake compared to what she’s going through. But during that time we need to prepare. Because a Dad’s real job begins near the end of labor, kicks in to high gear as soon as that child enters the world, and then never stops. So at that point it’s our turn to bring something to the table. To provide balance in the child’s life. To offer support to a Mom that might be having a tough day. And I believe – and this not some statement against alternative family structures – that child needs a Father and a Mother like everyone needs a left foot and a right foot. Without both, it is hard to move forward.
After taking all of this into consideration, I finally realized that maybe I’m not as bad at being a Dad as I thought. As a matter of fact, I think I’m doing a pretty good job. Of course that feeling changes from day-to-day, but right now, I truly feel important. Right now I feel like the best Dad in the world because I am making a difference in a young Man’s life. And really… isn’t that what it’s all about?
So to My two “Dads,” and all of those involved Fathers out there, I want to wish you a Happy Fathers Day! Be proud. You’ve earned it. Enjoy your day. But remember. We still have a lot of work to do.
Image courtesy of Mike Baird