Well, its that time of year again. Another Hallmark Holiday marking the passing of another year with cards and lunch the ridiculous hunt for something Dad doesn't already have. I call Father's Day a Hallmark Holiday because its just a made up day somebody (probably executives at Hallmark) decided would be a good day to "honor dad." Mother's Day, Grandparents Day, Boss' Day and the like all fall into this category.
The sad thing is that we've all been duped into thinking that this is perfectly normal behavior. To pick out only one day to recognize the special people in our lives. Oh, and then there's the uncomfortable squeeze these "holidays" put on those people who don't have anything close to a good relationship with their respective honoree... what are they supposed to do?Its kinda like having the "birthday party" at work for the co-worker you really don't get along with. Do you go? Do you sing Happy Birthday? All so Hallmark (or whomever) can sell more cards!
In reality, why aren't we honoring those honorees every day? I mean, if they are worthy of being put up on a pedestal one day a year, does that mean they are not worthy the other 364 days of the year? And if that's the case, why fake it one day a year?
Ok, so now that I've thoroughly blasted these made up days... I am going to take this opportunity to share with you folks just what I think about on Father's Day. Just like a lot of guys my age, I'm both a son and a father and so my view of the day goes both ways, but today I'm gonna focus on my dad role.
I've got three of the greatest kids on the planet! Casey has finished up her second year at Texas Tech and is busy planning a wedding for this fall, uh yeah, HER wedding! Kevin is busy working two jobs and diggin it I suppose. And Carly, well she's getting ready to start her second year of high school and that ever elusive quest for a driver's license.
I love this picture of the kids because its one of the few that is just of the three of them and by some freak of nature, they all look happy in this one. You know how it goes... you can't get three people (especially siblings) together for a picture and keep everybody happy till you get a good one... but somehow we managed in this one.
I think Father's Day is a great opportunity to look back over the past year to see how well we did our job as dads. Instead of sitting around and taking advantage of the one day most dads can get by with doing just about anything (or nothing)... why not take stock of what you've done to build up and teach your kid, devote time to them doing what they want to do and building positive memories with them.
For me, this has been a tough job today. The past year hasn't been the easiest for our family. With the moves, new jobs, no jobs, new schools, new friends... there's just been a lot of life goin on in our family and frankly, I haven't done much to make it easier for everyone else. In spite of all that, there has been one thing I've been able to depend on... the love and support of my family... especially my kids. Thanks guys!
Sorry if that was a little personal for you, but I wanted to throw out an example for the other dads that will get a chance to read this. No matter how old your kids are, you're laying the groundwork today, and everyday, for the rest of your life with them. Remember, they'll be picking out your retirement home! LOL...
All kidding aside, pour into your kids today. We're not guaranteed our next breath and there are very few dads that have laid on their death beds wishing they could have spent more time at work. For most of us, our kids will only be home with us for a few years and it is in those years that we have the opportunity to enjoy life with them. That's one of the things I'm thankful for on this Father's Day and I hope you can be too. If not, take the opportunity today to make plans that will let you look back this time next year on the best year of you and your kid's lives.
Happy Father's Day dads!
