Father's Day 2008

If you have Mother's Day then you should have a Father's Day. Most think that this day was also created by a well known greeting card manufacturer. Not true but it didn't hurt them any. I read an article the other day that stated Father's Day was just an after thought or step child of the very celebrated Mother's Day. If you look at retailers it's easy to tell which holiday sells more merchandise. That doesn't mean that for many this day isn't just as important. Perhaps celebrated a little differently with cookouts, picnics, mostly outdoor activities instead of fancy restaurants and brunch. Today's fathers are perhaps a little different, that shouldn't surprise anyone. Like all things life brings changes to all things and that doesn't exclude fathers. Not just the bread winners and providers any longer, fathers must be sensitive and good listeners, teachers, nurturers, etc. Fathers come in all shapes and sizes, conventional and not conventional, some are mothers and fathers at the same time, biological, and father figures. Not every man has the capabilities of being a father, it takes a little more than just having a child. I became a father in 1994 and at the time had no clue how much I didn't know about the job that I would have for the rest of my life. I would definitely call this OJT (on the job training) and without the help and advice from my father this would be a lot harder. Which brings me to a father's wisdom. I once thought that all the knowledge needed was just there, but have learned that it takes time, patience, winning, failing and just living life to get wisdom. I am not sure how much we realize exactly how much fathers give to us. So make sure today that you wish a father a Happy Father's Day. Don't forget that they are all around us. Remember that without the Heavenly Father none of this would be possible.