Dad

I’ve heard it said that any man can be a father but it takes a special man to be a Dad.

Dad’s are under-rated in our culture/country today. Commercials make them look stupid; social media dumbs them down; and whole groups like to say we don’t even need them. (Um, excuse me, we still haven’t figured out how to have the babies without males, so there’s that).

As a nurse I have gotten to see a lot of fathers/dads. They come in all shapes and sizes, have varied skillsets, different love languages, different emotional capabilities, different financial assets; they have big belly laughter, and soft hidden tears. I have seen mean ones, kind ones, generous ones, suspicious ones, unstable ones. I have witnessed heart-broken ones and strong as steel ones. I have seen them all and the thing that gets to every single one of them is their kids, and their kids’ kids.

They will accept titles, demands, accomplishments, money, accolades; be called Mr., Dr., Your Highness, etc; but the one thing they like being called best is Dad; and the one fraternity they like being a part of best is fatherhood.

When working hospice, I always noticed that no one is more anxious to recognize their father than someone who is about to lose him. I remember standing in the card aisle before the last Father’s Day with my Dad. We knew we didn’t have much time with him. How the heck to pick a card that says “You are an amazing father, please don’t go away.” Hallmark doesn’t make such a card.

I was so fortunate and blessed to have a Dad who loved well. He was an extremely hard worker; and an equally hard teaser. He laughed often. He told jokes. Was a slow reader but loved words. He loved Jesus, he loved my mom, and oh how he loved us kids. He loved our kids too because of his great love for us.

I know everyone doesn’t have the same experience that I did growing up. Some fathers are not involved. Some people had bad experiences with their Dad; and I’m sad for you if that is your experience.

For those of us who can celebrate our Dad’s, let’s do that. Not just today, but every day.

Happy Father’s Day!!