I can imagine that truly appreciating each of the sacrifices my parents have made for my sister and me over the years could take an entire lifetime. Nonetheless, to celebrate Father’s Day, I want to share a “thank you” to my dad. In doing so, I’d like to start by saying I’ve always considered my dad as being pretty unique and independent in thought.
Though he’s found inspiration from former mentors and even influential personalities from other nations, he’s always used his own mind to make decisions – and has encouraged others to do the same without feeling pressured to become someone else for someone else.
While it can be hard to avoid equating our destinies with who we aren’t, he’s always stood for people finding humanity in existence.
Having the fear of experiencing fear is okay and should be acknowledged. But choosing not to live or learn, not to care for nature or others, or interpreting life as simply running from how we individually define insufficiency, is not.
While he may not know or even remember this, one of the most important moments I shared with my dad occurred during middle school.
I’d wanted to go to a dance to impress a boy I had a crush on but I got into trouble with my mom, who told me I wouldn’t be able to go. I acted out and said things to her I’ll always regret. After a brief argument, I was so angry that I left the house and walked around the neighborhood wearing my socks and thin clothing.
I remember it being a cold day.
For a reason I can’t recall, my father happened to be stopping by our house, and my grandmother and mother informed him of what took place. Not knowing where to go, I sat on a stool in our backyard, and my grandmother tried to convince me to go back inside the house. She even tried to comfort me with a blanket due to the bad weather.
A combination of pride, embarrassment, and guilt ruled my mental state, and I just couldn’t go back inside to face my mother. Eventually, my dad came outside and didn’t speak too much. He just hugged me and told me things were going to be okay.
Looking back at how silly I acted over such a juvenile desire is something I’d choose to take back if I could. But having that calming reassurance and care from my dad meant everything to me, even if I couldn’t admit that to him at the time.
The celebration of parents – and celebrating parents – is very important to me. Mine have worked more than they’d probably like to to ensure my sister and I can dream – that we can focus on employment or seek out advanced education if we so choose.
Whatever the goals are, have been, or will be, I’m beyond grateful for the brilliantly-minded man never neglecting to provide solace. To those who are or will be fathers, please don’t disregard care for your children out of apprehension. Know that your presence is what we need.