Father's Day

A day that is meant for celebrating each and every dad, wherever they may be. 

I think dads can loosely fit into 3 groups (I don't usually like to put labels on people, but for this post I think it's the easiest way to explain my thoughts):

1. The 'best dad in the world';

2. The dad that was, and is, hardly ever around; and 

3. Sadly, the dad that passed away. 

For the children who are in the first 'group', Father's Day is a lot of fun and a nice way to celebrate and thank their dads for being so great. If their dad lives close by it might also mean breakfast or lunch together as a way to share their love and laughter. For those children, it's a day to look forward to each year. This is especially true for young children as they might get to make a card or gift for their dad and maybe even breakfast in bed, which is such a lovely thing for children to be apart of and a way of creating beautiful memories. 

Unfortunately I'm in the second group, which means that Father's Day is an annual reminder that my dad has never been around. It usually starts about a week out from Father's Day when I go to the shop to buy a card and have to sort through all the 'best dad in the world' and 'thank you for always being there' cards to try and find one that simply says 'Happy Father's Day'. I then struggle to find the right words to put in the card before finally settling on something and posting it off. If I'm really lucky I'll get a text to say thank you. 

Growing up without a dad is hard. When I was younger I didn't know any different so it wasn't as bad. I used to catch the bus up to see dad on the school holidays. Quite often it would just be me and the driver, so I would sit right up the front and talk the driver's ear off the whole way. I don't have many memories from my early childhood but going to stay with dad was something I used to look forward to. 

Fast forward about 14 years to my wedding day. My contact with dad had decreased significantly over the years with a period in the middle of about 5 years with no contact at all. Every girl dreams of having her dad walk her down the aisle, and I was no different. But for me, this wasn't an option. Thankfully I am blessed with having 3 incredible brothers, 2 of which did me the honour of 'giving me away'. (Personally I think they were far too eager to hand me over!) And I wouldn't have had it any other way. That was a very special moment for me, as I know it was for them. We skipped the father-daughter dance and my younger brother Craig did an amazing job at the speech, giving away far too much information about his big sister! 

Something I like to do each Father's Day is call my mum and wish her a 'Happy Father's Day'. She took on the 'father figure' role in my life and has done an amazing job, teaching me all the 'boy' things I need to know (mowing the lawn, unblocking the sink etc etc). 

For those children that are in the third group, and unfortunately a lot of people are, and some that are far too young, Father's Day is a really tough reminder that they can't spend the day with their dad. I can't even begin to imagine how difficult it must be to lose your dad. I've seen other people go through it and it takes great strength. Father's Day for those children is a time to feel sad, but also a time to smile and celebrate the life of their great dad, knowing that wherever he may be, he is watching. 

Because we are all so different, and have different stories to tell, there are probably more like 30 'groups' than 3, but we'd both be here all day if I went into that much detail, and I don't want to put anyone to sleep. 

Father's Day means something different to everyone. Whether it be a celebration or a time to reflect. Although I don't celebrate Father's Day as such, I use it as a time to think of those who have lost their fathers and to share in their sorrow, letting them know that I am thinking of them (even if it's simply by 'liking' a post on facebook about their dad). I also use it as a time to think of all the great dads I know and the joy they bring to their children. It's such a wonderful feeling to share in other people's happiness which is something I love to do, whether directly or indirectly. 

I hope everyone had a lovely Father's Day (for those in some countries this won't be relevant right now, but it's still a nice way to reflect). Remember to always reach out to others. It will brighten someone's day and will make you feel good about yourself as well.