This past Sunday was Father’s Day. The day designated to honor the men who are fathers. I am so thankful to honor men such as my husband, his father, my Pastor, his father, my step-grandfather and many more.
However, I felt a tinge of sadness when reflecting on my childhood. I look at the beautiful relationship my husband and our children share and wish I had that when I was growing up.
My childhood was topsy-turvy. My parents’ relationship was rote with “make-up – to – breakup” scenarios sprinkled with verbal and physical abuse. Thusly, my father was not always around.
I understand NO ONE is perfect and everyone has their own issues. As a parent, I do my best to be better for my kids. If I do something to hurt them, I apologize to them and ask for forgiveness. I think it is necessary. I do not assume I am infallible because I’m the parent.
The impact of Fatherhood is vitally important. There is a special type of love children have for their fathers. A love so deep it seems as if a father can do “no wrong.” Forgiveness is seemingly automatic.
I am fortunate to have had other positive father figures in my life who helped to balance out some of the negativity I witnessed at home. Not to say I did not gleam some good from my own biological father. For example, my father is honest and blunt to a fault, when he does tell the truth. 🙂 I remember one time, as a youngster, he told me: “You look at me and know what not to do.” That type of honest takes courage.
My father is a man who lives totally in the moment. To him, the past is the past, a person shouldn’t live there. However, at the same time my father can hold a grudge like no other. Plus my dad can be really funny. Everyone has a redeeming quality.
In closing, Fathers of the World: Your children love you – Don’t abuse or take advantage of that love. I truly hope you had an awesome Father’s Day. MUAH. TTFN!
Amanda
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P.S.S. I want to hear from you. Shout out your father or positive father figure in the comments below. What quality do you love about them? Let me know.