This Father’s Day, You’re Going to Want to Give Him an Extra ‘Thank You!’
Most of us were raised in a culture with certain expected gender roles and stereotypes. And although we’re regularly reminded of the hardships women have endured, both in the past and currently, keep in mind that men have also had to find their way through other types of social, mental, emotional and spiritual challenges.
The Day To Give Thanks For Fathers
Whether your dad is here in this dimension of life and you have the ability to call or visit him, or if your dad has passed on, Father’s Day is a wonderful day to take a moment to acknowledge everything our dads have been through and give thanks for their presence in our lives.
What does a father do, anyway?
Erma Bombeck, an American humorist and writer, was nine years old when her father passed away. Years later, she wrote:
One morning, my father didn’t get up and go to work. He went to the hospital and he died the next day. I hadn’t thought that much about him before. He was just someone who left and came home and seemed glad to see everyone at night.
He opened the jar of pickles when no one else could. He was the only one in the house who wasn’t afraid to go into the basement by himself. He cut himself shaving, but no one kissed it or got excited about it. It was understood that when it rained, he was the one who got the car and brought it around to the door. And when anyone was sick, he was the one who went out to get the prescription, get it filled.
He took lots of pictures, but he was never in them. Whenever I played house, my mother doll had a lot to do. I never knew what to do with the daddy doll, so I had him say ‘I’m off to work now’ and then I threw him under the bed.
The funeral was in our living room and a lot of people came and brought all kinds of good food and cakes. We never had so much company before. I went to my room and felt under the bed for the daddy doll. When I found him I dusted him off and put him on my bed. He never did anything. I didn’t know his leaving would hurt so much.
I felt this piece was appropriate to share with you today, because it can be very easy to overlook the many things our fathers do that we don’t see unless we look. Fathers contribute in many ways, which is the reason we usually feel a gap when they pass on.
Today, I encourage you to put aside those things that he could have done better or what he didn’t do enough of, and instead, think about what he DID do.
Thank him for his part in your life and for any time he showed up for you. And if he’s not here, feel gratitude in your heart, anyway.
And if there are other men in your life who have ever brought you comfort, support, encouragement, mentoring or help, this is a great day to reach out to them, whether you’ve seen them recently or not.
Thank them for any moment that they made your day even just a little bit brighter.
I remember a time in my life when I was at a crossroads…
I had reached a point in my 40s when I had to make a big decision. I knew that my life was going to be very different no matter which way I went. So I took my problem to my dad.
I respected my dad so much that if he had told me to take a certain path, I would’ve done exactly what he said.
When I told him what I was going through, he listened to me.
I told him about how I had two choices and what I thought they would mean. And when I was finished, I asked him,
“What do you think I should do, Dad?”
He looked at me and simply said,
“There’s only one thing you can do. Do what gives you life.”
I believe this message is one that’s meant for all of us: If you’re ever wondering which path to take, take the one that makes you feel alive.
So today, as you look back at the men who’ve impacted your life in any way, be happy they’ve chosen to gift you with their wisdom and strength, and find a way to reach out and say, “Thank you.”
A Little Father’s Day Humor
What are the top 7 things you would never hear a dad say?
- Well, how about that? I’m lost. Looks like we’re going to have to stop and ask for directions.
- You know, Pumpkin, now that you’re 13, you’ll be ready for unchaperoned car dates. Won’t that be fun?
- I’ve noticed all your friends have a certain hostile attitude. I like that.
- Here’s my credit card and the keys to my new car. Go crazy.
- Your mother and I are going away for the weekend. You might consider throwing a party.
- What’d you want to go and get a job for? I make plenty of money for you to spend.
- What do I want for Father’s Day? Ah, don’t worry about it. It’s no big deal. (Actually, you probably will hear a dad say that, but know this: they don’t mean it!)
So how will you be celebrating and giving thanks for your dad this Father’s Day?
Go ahead and leave a comment below. I’d love to hear from you!
Until next time, Happy Father’s Day!
Happy Father’s Day is gone and done till next year but your message is everlasting. Thank you Mary.
The message I learned from my Dad is There is nothing you can’t do if you put your mind to it . And it is so true now I am saying the same thing to my daughters. And he also said to me Always give yourself some credit and be proud. My Dad passed away 10years ago I miss him so much. But I always feel his Spirit with me.
I didn’t know the roll that my dad was plays in thoss days now that I come to realize I’m so greatfuel for every moment that we spent together and I thank him for his effort to bring me this world
Happy Father day,i miss you so much. I feel lost without you. I dont know what i want in my life. My life stop me something i dont know why and my heart numb for long time.i am looking for a job makes me happy i have no idea what kind cuz i am being deaf please advise me my dad if you are in Heaven? I ask your forgive me for married when i was 15 year old i know you are the best dad ever i have
Life with my dad was a challenge, until I saw him as the wounded child he once was. It was then, I recognized all the gifts he had given me. My strength, perseverance, humor and a passion for music and much more! So grateful for all you had given me!
Cute…
My dear dad has been gone a long time…I still really miss him!
He worked hard everyday and never missed a day of work!
He took his role as provider very seriously.
It never dawn on me when I was little growing up that maybe there were days he didn’t want to go to work.
I remember the one time he came to see me twirling as head majorette when a sophmore in high school on Thanksgiving Day at our home football field. For some odd reason I slipped and fell on the field. Quickly got back up, but he was right there at the fence wanting to make sure I was okay.
Before my dad died, we had got to such a great place in our relationship where we understood each other. We had what I came to fondly call
“our rap sessions.”
He was retired and had time to talk. I got to know him in a way I never did before.
I remember bringing up an issue to him that he and mom had different points of views on and how their lack of agreement
caused us kids to not get a clear message…
On this particular day we had come home from church and was talking through breakfast. We continued our conversation and had moved to the rec room.
I remember clearly when I brought up the subject how he responded….
He sat back, gave it some thought and said,” I never saw it that way.” And then added what he believed up until that moment. I knew in my heart, he understood what I was trying to explain in a respectful, yet direct way.
From that discussion, I feel we had come to an understanding in our dad/daughter relationship that turned a corner for good.
It was now an adult-to-adult relationship were we could discuss things freely.
I miss this most of all. BUT SO GRATEFUL FOR THE YEARS I HAD HIM AS MY DAD ❤
My dad is real, kind hearted, the only faithful, relayable father inthis world for me.
Thank you for the appreciation.
Dear Mary,
You have lightened my spirit.This message has put substance of inspiration into my body.It’s made me bounce back to health from a very moody situation today.
Thanks a Million, Dear !!!
I drove over to my parents house, they live an hour and a half away, to see my Dad, Mom and older brother. We went to dinner at a place my Dad wanted to go and my brother and I split the check. Then we enjoyed watching some shows he wanted to see and some cake and coffee later in the evening. I found the perfect card to give him. My Dad is 74 and there aren’t many “things” he wants to acquire, he will hardly give suggestions for possible gifts, he often buys it for himself before anyone would have a chance to get it for him lol! He actually did give me a suggestion the other day and now I’m on a mission to find it as it isn’t something I could’ve given to him on Father’s day itself. I always show up for him and listen to what he says and tell him how much I love him! I almost lost him a few years ago and I know I’m blessed to still have him in my life, I love my dad very much, he always gives of himself and I make a point to do the same for him!