What does it mean to be a Father?
Father’s day is a day to honour, remember and give thanks to the fathers, father figures and male role models in our lives. It is a day to celebrate paternal bonds and the influence of fathers in our society. It mirrors similar celebrations for mothers and different regions have their own dates and traditions throughout the year.
What does it mean to be a father?
Quote from Focusonthefamily.ca
- A father’s strength can be powerful
- A dad’s words can be fueling and inspirational
- Hugs from a dad can be deeply comforting
- A dad’s smiles can instill joy and confidence
- Time with a dad can be fun and productive
- A dad’s physicality can be challenging
- A dad’s guidance can be life-changing and foundational
- A father’s correction can be life-saving and life-giving
- Adventures with a dad can be exciting and memorable
Who is a father?
I think it is important to recognize the role fathers or father figures play in our lives. Positive male role models are needed in every child’s life to provide, nurture, interact, offer affection, take responsibility, and demonstrate commitment. Children need to know they belong, to feel safe, cared for, important and guided; not just in words but in actions too. Not everyone will have a biological father in their lives but that does not mean that they can’t have a valued and important paternal figure. It could be a step-dad, grandparent, uncle, God-parent, coach or teacher. Any male figure who adds value to your life like the list above can be honoured on Father’s day.
My Dad
As a father myself, it gives me a chance to reflect on my role in their lives and to honor the memories of life with my own father. My Dad was strong, solid, dependable and loved us without having to say it. He was the example of the man that others have told me I have become. And that is good. The moments I felt closest to my Dad revolved around playing music together. He played, amongst other instruments, the musical saw and I learned to play it too. We played together often, until he became too ill. I played his musical saw at his funeral as a tribute to our relationship. It was probably one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. My love of country music comes from him. I used to secretly listen to his records when I could, from Jim Reeves to Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash; any old time country gospel really evokes strong memories of him. My Dad also loved ice cream and crown and coke and I will always associate them with him, inspite of the fact that he had to give them up when he became a type II diabetic when I was 12.
Fatherhood for me
I love the happy moments of being a father. So many over the years, from births to trips to my night-time routines of singing, reading and giggles. I believe the most important influences a father can have are wisdom in life lessons and showing commitment and strength in all of your relationships. The hardest part of being a parent is loving these beings, that you have no control over, with all your heart. I had a great moment at a Bruce Springsteen concert that I associate with becoming a father. I was in the 4th row at the show and he said, “this one is dedicated to the parents in the crowd…I wish you luck!” and then played Long time comin’.
I try to relish each stage of my children’s lives. Each one has its merits and its difficulties. As my children grow older, I am loving the opportunities to mix my business with my family life and having my son part of the P3 company is particularly rewarding.
So I wish everyone a Happy Father’s day; to the Dads, about to be Dads, Step-Dads and to those who act as a father figure. For those of you who, like me, have lost your father, I hope you find some time to reflect and honour your memories, it is emotional and rewarding in equal measure – but oh so worth it!
Best wishes
