What is Father’s Day?

Father’s Day is celebrated all over the world to recognize fatherhood, the importance of fathers in society, and the loving and caring men in your life. March 19 has been the traditional day to celebrate in Catholic Europe since the 16^th century. The Portuguese and Spanish brought this celebration to Latin America. North America later adopted it and celebrates it on the third Sunday of June.

Father’s Day Quotes

A girl’s first true love is her father —Marisol Santiago

Behind every great daughter is a truly amazing father —Unknown

To her, the name of father was another name for love —Fanny Fern

She did not stand alone, but what stood behind her, the most potent moral force in her life, was the love of her father —Harper Lee

Most people buy gifts for their dad for his birthday, Christmas and Father’s Day. Over the years you have bought him shirts, socks, and cologne, taken him for movies, to his favorite steak restaurant, and for a round of golf.

We are still in the COVID crisis so why don’t you do something different.

Here are ten suggestions for this Father’s Day which will not cost you.

Make him a hand-made gift card

Forget about the Hallmark cheesy cards. He is your one and only Father. Make it special. He will appreciate it. Your handmade card is unique and the only one on the planet.

Ask him about his childhood

Show a deeper interest in him and his life. Ask him about his background, his parents, his childhood, and his time at school and university. Go through old photographs. While he talks listen to him.

Thank him for everything

I am sure your father sacrificed at some point in his life to raise you. Tell him verbally how grateful you are to have him in your life. Thank him for everything he has done for you.

Serve him

Give your dad a break by serving him and taking something off his to-do list. Go over and clean his home, his car, declutter the garage, clean the grill, or just hang out with him.

Praise him

This is the time to focus on his strengths. Was he a kind and patient dad? Then let him know.

Play a board game with him

If your dad is into any board game or hobby, show an interest in it by getting involved.

Go for a walk

Father’s Day is in the month of June. The weather is great. Go for a walk with him. Tease him, talk to him, tell him one of your favorite memories of him with you during your childhood.

Make him a playlist

Ask your dad in advance what his music taste is like and create a playlist for him.

Forgive Him

There is a reason I have left this until the end. Some of you have an estranged relationship with your dad. I get it. The third Sunday of June comes and goes without much fanfare. Your dad divorced your mom, he left your family for another woman, he never provided, he was an alcoholic, he abused you or he was never there emotionally for you. The list goes on. You have been on a roller coaster of anger, resentment, depression, low self-esteem, and self-doubt.

Forgiveness is letting go. Let the negative feeling and emotions go. Yes, he has not changed. OK, I get it. If you cannot change something, change your attitude toward it.

Try to find something good in him. Then write a letter, a note, a text, an email or just call him and make peace. It will free you and you will be empowered.

I am going to end with a few verses from a poem called The Power of Forgiveness by Pat A. Fleming.

Some people view forgiveness,
As a virtue for the weak.
An act of Mercy undeserved,
That serves no useful need.

They’re focused on how they’ve been wronged,
And won’t be made the fool again.
So they feel they must avenge themselves,
By refusing to give in.

They will sacrifice their family,
Or forsake a long, time friend.
Do anything they have to do,
To be the winner in the end.

Or perhaps it’s that they can’t resolve,
The depth of all their hurt.
Caused when someone that they’ve trusted,
Left them questioning their worth.

But no matter why the struggle,
Out of pride or out of fear.
Not being able to forgive,
Can cause the loss of ones most dear.

Yes, forgiveness is a virtue,
They even say it is divine.
But more than that it sets you free,
From what weighs you down inside.

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