My father didn’t tell me how to live; he lived it and let me watch him do it. – Clarence B. Kelland, American writer (1881-1964)
My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me – Jim Valvano, American basketball player and coach, broadcaster, founder of the V Foundation for Cancer (1946-1993)
Father’s Day this year falls on June 21 because the holiday is not tied to a fixed calendar date. Instead, it is celebrated on the third Sunday in June every year. Father’s roles are often defined by the “Five Ps”: participator/problem-solver, playmate, principled guide, provider and preparer.
Whether or not you have a father, I imagine there’s some male person you have learned from and admired. Take a few minutes to tell them. In 1982 I wrote a poem for my dad for Father’s Day.
“Our memories, I close my eyes and the first that I see are of lullabies, laughter, and playing with me. Saturday trips out to the park, hotdogs and popcorn and home before dark. Daddy’s angel, the softball queen, “What a slugger!” his face would beam. Later in life how busy I got, our special times I seemed to forgot.”
New things to do wherever I turned, then off to school to get that degree. Only the best he’d have for me. That special day came as we thought it might, beside me you stood my gown glowed of white.
I turned to catch the tear in your eye, and all those times came rushing by. Thank you for memories I hold in my heart. Thank you for what you’ve made me; you planned from the start. Thank you for strength and honesty and showing me why it’s through humor and goodness we see life by. All of these treasures I hold dear to my heart for you’re the best Father there ever could be…
By the time you are reading this poem there will be five days before celebrating a father, a mentor, neighbor, friend, teacher who has been an encourager, listener, advisor, coach, manager, providing guidance, wisdom, and support, where the relationship focuses on long-term personal and professional growth. Father’s Day extends beyond biological fathers. Father’s Day is a time to honor and celebrate unconditional love, guidance and sacrifices by dads and father figures. Enjoy the day.
Shannon Bardwell is a writer living quietly in the Prairie. Email reaches her at [email protected].
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 34 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
