To anyone who has a dad, who is a dad, or who has someone who took on the role of a dad, to all the dads and “dads” out there, Happy Father’s Day! Traditionally, the role of the mother has been significantly more celebrated than that of the father. true, the role as provider is equally essential as that of the nurturer, but parenting has been mainly romanticized more greatly when seen through the eyes of a mother. Mother’s Day is much more celebrated than Father’s Day and understandably so, but for many people, our dads have been the pillar around which the family finds its strength. When my dad died, the vacuum he left was gaping and seemingly unfillable. Nobody dared to fill such big shoes. He was the one that made things okay, even if things weren’t okay. I guess just having him there made things a little “better”. When he left, it was emotional anarchy, every man for himself. It’s like a pack of dogs who finds itself without a pack leader. No struggle for leadership, because no one wanted it. We found independence eventually, finding a way to survive without him, but the gap was never filled; we just found a way to work around the abyss. Father’s Day is always bittersweet for me, because it usually follows my birthday. And my father passed away 5 days after my birthday, on June 22, 1996. So those 3 days, my birthday, Father’s Day and my dad’s death anniversary, often come is quick succession, so I often find myself wistful around these times. Some days I wish I were a dad, so I could give to my kid what my dad gave to me. But some days I’m relieved that I’m not, too scared to mess up a life with my shortcomings. So to all dads out there, my dad (wherever he may be), my brother, my brothers-in-law, my friends and relatives and to all you dads out there, Happy Father’s Day! You’re the less celebrated parent, but know that we love you! Whether you’re the silent rock or the iron fist in the family, you’re an integral part of what everyone needs in a family unit. You may not hear it as often as the moms, but we love you!!!
