Happy Father's Day

Elena and Denise                                                Sunday is a very meaningful day for many of you, because it’s the celebration of Dad. It is the one special day you can devote to letting him know how much you love him. For many of you, like me, Father’s Day will be difficult, because you did not have the kind of relationship with your father that you would have liked. You may not have known him or been actively involved with him. Having an absentee father is a horrible loss. My Mother was both Mom and Dad. And still is, today. I honor her for all she has done for me. I know the sacrifices she made on my behalf. I know the pain she walked through to keep me safe. I know how she went without just so I could have. I know, too, she is the one person whom I can count on. Thank you, Mom, I love you! Think back over your life and recognize which men did play a role in your upbringing. Possibly, you had a stepfather, grandfather, uncle, or family friend who met some of the criteria of the “father figure”. Spend some time reflecting what gifts they gave you as a child. Maybe it was an uncle who gave you a piggyback ride at the family reunion. Or, possibly your stepfather tucked you in each night. Maybe it was your boy/girlfriend’s father, who transported you and your boy/girlfriend to work. By reflecting on the people who have made a difference in your life, you are reminded of your own uniqueness. For those of you who are rearing children, spend some time concocting a plan to make your child’s father or “father figures” feel special today. Make a homemade card. Sing a special song. Prepare a much-loved dessert. This can create meaningful experiences, which I call “Hallmark Moments”. If you do not believe you have a person in your life who fits the “father figure”, you have a lot of work ahead of you. Your goal this year is to “adopt a father figure”. Find someone in a nursing home, in your church or neighborhood to bond with. You must create the experience you need, and then appreciate them and what they have to offer. Happy Father’s Day to any man out there who has contributed to the life of a child or an adult. I want to wish my brother Drew a Happy Father's Day and a Happy Birthday. 6/19 ℰℒℬ                                                                       2011