Our Father’s Gift

This coming Sunday, June 20th, Father’s Day, is the day of the year when Fathers are celebrated.

As we all know we all have a father and a mother in the beginning, but for about a million reasons, one or the other or even both parents don’t take their responsibility seriously and leave the family. So long story short, being a father is not always literal since many assume that role.

But the fact remains, the first and maybe the only gift our father gives us is our life. With or without a father in our life after we are born, we are truly a separate entity. We may inherit our height, color of our hair, eyes and skin from our father.

Studies have been made of the influence of the father in the family unit, good, bad, or indifference. In the end, regardless of influence, we create our own identity and story. We can’t blame him for all our bad habits.

Maybe you are named after your father as many boys are. You may end up being called Junior or some other nickname. Rarely are girls named after their mother. If I had been, I would be Maxine Etta. Nowadays, unisex names have become popular such as, Taylor, Alex, Bailey, Morgan, Peyton/Payton, Sidney/Sydney, Landon/London.

Gifts for Dad??? Usually when choosing a gift, we tend to think of his hobbies, past times, a collection or his sense of humor. Traditionally, if he is working, a shirt and tie, if he enjoys sports, a shirt with team logo and no tie. Funny socks. “The World’s Greatest Dad” coffee or insulated cup. For King of the Grill—tools for the grill or something to grill on.

Taking Dad out for lunch or dinner on Father’s Day can be risky as many others have the same idea. Some may let a card say what they think.

Some of us have lost our fathers. This is a good time to reflect on the things we do that we learned from him, mostly good hopefully. But, even the bad influences may have the reverse effect on us. If he taught you to play poker, that can be good, because life is like a poker hand. You have to play with the cards dealt you.

Have a wonderful day Father, Dad, Daddy, DaDa, may there be peace around you as you watch golf/baseball/basketball while resting your eyes.