When I think back over my life I smile. I feel that I am very blessed. I feel that I’ve been very lucky to be blessed with great men in my life. Two of these men play large roles in my life. One is my dad and the other is my husband.
My dad was the first man in my life. He was who I compared the boys I came into contact with to. He showed me exactly how a man should treat me. I have been blessed to have him in my life. I know not many children can say that. I was very fortunate to be raised in a two parent home. I knew i wanted the same for my kids. That unit and team. I think The Husband and I try our best to be on the same page with our children. I can’t say we always are but we do our best. I think my mom and dad did a great job of providing a great example. My dad is a great man. He did and still does everything he can for his family. He has been a shoulder to cry on, barber and has even shown up at our house to help us fix things around the house. My kids love him to pieces. I love my daddy so much and am happy that God blessed me with him.
I met The Husband 15 years ago working at Hardee’s. At the time we met I had no clue that he was going to be the man I was going to marry. I didn’t know that until a few months later until one day when I was sick he dropped everything to bring me soup, juice, crackers, and a card that said get well. That’s also the day I started daydreaming of what kind of dad he would be. Then when we found out we were having Nishe’ four months into our marriage I was thrilled. Then when our baby girl came into the world and I saw their instant bond I knew he was going to be great. Then when our son Tyler came along 20 months later i was even more assured. He is an excellent father. I see this man do whatever he needs to for his family every day. He goes above just trying to keep a roof over our heads, clothes on our back and food in our bellies. He has over the years formed a true bond with our children. He has made sure that they know he will be there for them no matter what. This is why we always treat him with gifts every year. We’ve gotten him all sorts over the years, from a new wrench kit when his got stolen to a new bed mattress when he was complaining about his bad back (we nearly got him the wrong size one! Luckily we looked at this guide on mattress sizes before we bought it) because we know he’ll love them and that he’ll be happy about it. It can be so difficult to know what to buy for the men in your life though right? One of my best friends has bought her dad a heated seat cushion for in his car. He is an Uber driver, and so after reading this list of ideas for people who drive Ubers she felt inspired to buy him something for his car. What a thoughtful present.
As for me, I feel that these two men and so many others deserve to have a day such as Father’s Day to be celebrated. Just yesterday I saw a hashtag on twitter that said #endfathersday with various reasons as to why dads shouldn’t be celebrated. I won’t share the stupid reasons because I refuse to give them life. I just know the reasons to celebrate far outweigh the reasons not to. I’ve also seen this recent thing where cards are made to be given to moms on fathers day. Even if you give your dad a collection of photo mugs and a card for fathers day, he’ll appreciate it! Who’s dad doesn’t love a cup of tea or coffee? At least you know they will be put to good use. The point it, it’s the thought that counts. Where are the cards for the dads who are both mother and father as well? Why do we as a society continue to bash men and then expect them to live up to our expectations? When you look at the TV you pretty much see nothing but negative images of dads. From deadbeats to dads who have no clue what they are doing on many TV shows. I know that I as mom do not have it all together. I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t have all the answers to this parenting thing. There are men who want to be fathers to their children but moms prevent that from happening. I just think we should be uplifting dads and not trying to bring them down. Acknowledge the biological dads, the step-dads, the foster dads, and those who step into father roles for their grandchildren, nephews, brothers, and cousins. I think it is completely unfair to try to take father’s day away from those doing what they are supposed to do.
I realize that some people just didn’t have that father role in their life at all. I also know that I will never understand what it is like to be a single mother. I hope that I never have to experience it. I commend the mothers who do it. Heck, I truly admire them. I have women in my life who I know give their all to their children and go above and beyond to make sure they have what they need. I also have men in my life who do three same. I just think that we all should acknowledge those men who are the dad that they need to be for their children. Which I know is hard to do for some because they didn’t have that father figure in their life. Think about how hard it is for them to be what they have never known and have only seen on TV. They just know what they want to be and do it. Just like the moms they just do what they need to do. That’s what I plan on doing today. I’m going to celebrate the men in my life and my children’s life. They put in the work and they deserve this day. It’s going to be a day all about them. And my own father is going to receive a gift from me, something personalized to show him I care, like a Personalized Photo Wallet. He’ll get a card, some drinks, and I might have to think about treating him, too. I truly believe we should be using this day to solely celebrate their commitment and support as parents.
Now before people get all upset. I’m not saying that people should not be upset with the men who are not stepping up. I’m saying that they shouldn’t try to #endfathersday because of those men. I understand that children may hurt. I think that this day should be turned into something else for them like take them out to dinner or a fun day. Like I said this is something I will never understand. But I do sympathize. I’ve seen what the effects of not having a father in a child’s life can do and I don’t deny that some men don’t deserve the previous gifts God has blessed them with. However, I do know some men who realize they’re blessings and appreciate them.
Now I realize some people may not agree with my opinion and I welcome your difference of opinion but please respectful. Any disrespectful comments will be deleted.
