Coming from a dysfunctional family (who doesn't, really), Father's Day isn't at the top of my list of holidays that bring a fuzzy, warm feeling. But, I'm beginning to appreciate it in a whole different way, each year more than before as I partner with my husband to raise our children together.
In stead of being nostalgic and remembering fondly all of the moments with my family of origin while growing up, It's become a great way for me to help the kids shower their dad with some of his favorite things in an effort to thank him for being all that every child deserves: a caring, loving father.
Not perfect. We, as humans, don't need perfection. But we do have a void filled only by a caring, loving father. I treasure Mark's commitment to our children and the real ways he shows them he loves them and is interested in each of them.
It has been an unexpected pleasure that I have been able to watch Mark and others (during my work as a doula) become fathers. Some are hands on and right in there, practically catching the baby themselves. Some are pale white and ready to faint. My personal favorites are the ones who cry at the birth of their child. Seeing a grown man cry is truly touching...it's hard for me not to sob right along with them.
I'm glad that every June we are able to pause and think of the many fathers (not necessarily our own) that have made an impression on our lives and the ones that we love.
1 comment:
that's funny. I was thinking something similar yesterday. I used to get kind of depressed at father's day, but this year it dawned on me that while I don't have a *father* per se anymore, my husband is a great father, and I've been even more impressed with that as I've watched him with Berkeley. Good thoughts.....
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