As Father's Day approaches the importance of fathers and fatherhood is celebrated and commemorated around the world.
Being a father is not just fathering a child; it is a complex relationship that is far different than that between a mother and her children. It is, by no means, less significant, but rather a relationship that will define the way your children relate to authority, to the women in their lives, to the world around them at large.
Having said that, the existence of Father's Day is a perfect opportunity to celebrate the men in our lives who had the opportunity to teach us right from wrong, to teach us how to work, to guide us as we swung our first hammers, and to guide us to a place where we might make good decisions for those we have chosen to call ‘family'.
This last February my father passed away in his sleep at the age of 73.
He listened to his children, though we did not always agree on what his take on what the solution was.
He served his community well, no matter where he lived as a member of the Knights of Columbus, Lions Clubs, an Elk Club member, a church treasurer and altar boy, a Red Deer Bingo Association executive, an active member of the Alberta Teachers Association, and numerous other clubs.
He walked his community talk, putting others ahead of himself.
As a father, he spent time with his children and anyone who wanted to join in as we flew model rockets, guided remote control airplanes, went to museums, or just played games of billiards.
To his grandchildren, he was supportive attending graduations, christenings, performances, and attentively listening to their stories while taking time to bounce them on his gout-filled knee.
He showed his love of his children, grandchildren, and daughters-in-law tangibly, yet never verbalizing it.
My dad, despite his faults, largely succeeded in his role. As he aged, and his health grew worse, his capacity to listen and appreciate those around him increased. He said ‘thank you' more often, and even amidst pain did not complain even though it incapacitated him, just like his father before him.
As a father of four children, and father-in-law to a marvelous young man, I can only pray that I am a father who attempts to practice patience, a father who is able to allow my kids to make mistakes without ‘I told you so', a father who can be tender, yet truthful, a father who is supportive of dreams I may never see come to fruition, and a father who can be counted on to be there, no matter what the need, and a father who loves, despite the cost.
That is a father, and what I am striving for.
MY DAD IS A SUPERDAD BECAUSE…
To help celebrate our fathers, the Innisfail Province wants you to tell us why ‘My dad is a superdad.' Entries can be emailed to [email protected]. The winning entry will be published in the newspaper and the father will receive a Superman DVD. Be creative; send a photo of you and your dad.
Up, up, and away!
