Father’s Day serves as a timely reminder of the significant impact fathers have in the lives of their children in a world that frequently honors moms. This year, it falls on June 16th, a day celebrated to honor fathers’ strength, guidance, and unconditional love. As Father’s Day is here, we decided to highlight the overlooked efforts made by our fathers. While we often look at mothers as our first role models, fathers play a significant part in shaping the person we have become today. Without our fathers, we would be nothing today.
Sacrifice Our Fathers Make
Fathers are basically the first love of our lives. Yet society often fails to give them the recognition they deserve. In a culture where fathers are frequently sidelined, single fathers especially face pity and disrespect. Their role is often reduced to mere providers, tasked with keeping the family financially afloat. But sometimes we forget that when we say that patriarchy rules every household, the role of the father appears to be stricter, but in fact, his role is to nourish and love his children as much as a mother does.
While we often acknowledge the sacrifices our mothers make, it’s important to recognize the significant contributions our fathers make too. Our fathers deserve the same affection, praise and gratitude as our mothers for their part in our upbringing.
On the day of our birth, it’s often our fathers who wait outside the delivery room, filled with a mixture of nervousness and anticipation. When the doctor finally emerges with news of our arrival, our fathers experience a flood of emotions – fear, joy, confusion, and overwhelming happiness. Holding us for the first time, they feel an indescribable bond and an immense sense of responsibility to protect us.
From the moment we come into existence, our fathers are fiercely protective, cherishing us as their most precious gift. They are always willing to do anything to ensure our well-being and happiness, making them an essential part of our lives from the very beginning.
Therefore, as we step into our new home, it feels like stepping into paradise. Our fathers make sure that we are wrapped in comfort, making us feel instantly at home, and showers us with love and care. They also ensure that the mothers get enough rest and are well-cared for. But as the next day dawns, duty calls, and they must reluctantly leave their child behind as they head to the office.
Though torn by the separation, our fathers know that providing for a child means learning to make sacrifices. Therefore, despite being physically away, their thoughts are consumed by a child. Every moment away from a child not only makes mothers but also fathers feel like an eternity without them, and they find themselves dialing home repeatedly, eager to hear about what their child is doing, how their day has been and to ensure your every need is met.
A father works relentlessly to ensure that he returns home with a handful of snacks, chocolates, or gifts to brighten your day. As a result, even in the midst of his daily chores, their child is a constant presence in his thoughts, reminding him of the precious bond you share and the joy of being together once more.
Single fathers often don’t get the recognition they deserve in our society, despite their tireless efforts to raise children alone. They work hard to provide, nurture, and meet every need, striving to fulfill both parental roles and shape their children into better individuals. However, they face various challenges, including gender stereotypes, limited support networks, legal hurdles, and social stigma. To ensure that single fathers receive the acknowledgment, support, and resources they need, societal attitudes must shift, inclusive support systems must be established, and stigma must be addressed.
The Acronym for a FATHER stands for:
F- Friend
A- Adaptable to circumstances
T- Thoughtful in every action
H- Helpful to us
E- Eccentric in nature
R- Reliable person
This Father’s Day make sure that you thank your father for everything he’s done for you. There are countless ways to make Father’s Day special for the father figure in your life. Here are a few ideas:
1. Personalized Gifts: Consider giving a gift that’s tailored to his interests or hobbies, such as a custom-made item, a personalized photo album, or a handwritten letter expressing your appreciation.
2. Quality Time: Spend the day together doing activities he loves, whether it’s going for a hike, playing sports, or simply enjoying a meal together. The key is to focus on quality time and creating lasting memories.
3. Homemade Treats: Prepare his favorite meal or bake his favorite dessert as a thoughtful gesture. You could also involve the kids in making homemade cards or crafts to add a personal touch.
4. Relaxation: Help him unwind and relax by organizing a spa day at home, complete with massages, facials, and his favorite music or movies. Alternatively, you could plan a leisurely day outdoors, like a picnic in the park or a day at the beach.
5. Experience Gifts: Consider giving the gift of experiences, such as tickets to a concert, sporting event, or a cooking class. These types of gifts provide opportunities to create new memories together.
6. Acts of Service: Take care of chores or tasks that he usually handles, such as mowing the lawn, cleaning the house, or running errands. This allows him to relax and enjoy his special day without worrying about responsibilities.
7. Organize a get-together: Organize a family gathering or barbecue to celebrate Father’s Day together. Invite relatives and close friends to join in the festivities and make it a day filled with love and laughter.
This Father’s Day, express your love and appreciation to your father in a way that resonates with him, whether through thoughtful gifts, spending quality time together, or acts of kindness. Take a moment to sincerely thank him for his presence in your life and the profound impact he has made in our lives. Let him know how grateful you are for his love, sacrifices, and unwavering support throughout your journey. Make it a day to honor his enduring influence and to acknowledge that a lifetime wouldn’t be sufficient to fully express gratitude for all he has done.
