It's FATHERS' Day - Period

Kate, Sarah and Charlie - The Reasons I am Proud To Be a Dad

We are driving into Father’s Day this Sunday and I thought I would share a few random thoughts on the meaning of this day in this postcard.  I may excite some folks, but that is not my intent.  My intent is to simply protest  attempts at redefining the day as anything else than a day to honor FATHERS (step-Fathers, single Fathers, divorced Fathers, unwed Fathers etc.) with the only caveat being, the honor should only be given to  men who are devoted to the care and nurturing of their children.

I recall when my children were younger and in pre-school and beyond, FATHERS’ Day was watered down, as are so many things, to designations such as “Special Guy Day” or “Great Guy Day.”  I was, and am, offended by these designations.  I want MY day.  I want a day that honors FATHERS.  My own father passed away when I was 5 years old and while I had the guidance of uncles, brother-in-laws, neighbors, etc.; all honorable men, all special guys, all great guys; they were not my father. My sisters and I missed not being able to honor our father in person. Often, the day meant a trip to the cemetery.   I was fortunate years later to have the honor of celebrating FATHERS’ Day with my step- father, who has served in the capacity of being my father for over forty years.   My point is simply this, a good FATHER is unique and deserves at least one day of the year to call his own – FATHERS’ DAY period.

And by the way, why do all the commercials knock ties as gifts?  Let it be known that I would be happy with a tie.  Of course the ultimate gift for any father, any time, is Old Spice.  I always ask for it and tell my daughters that if they ever date a guy who wears Old Spice, I remind them to subtly tell their suitors, “Oh, my dad wears Old Spice,” just to plant a seed!  Although one of my favorite gifts is from my son Charlie.  While all of the other kids were crafting pottery crosses, or boxes and the like for their fathers, Charlie made me a beer mug!!  It can hold two beers and keeps them ice cold! 
I think of him every time I use it.

So, to all of you uncles, brothers, neighbors, etc. – thanks for what you do, especially if the kids you are helping out have somehow lost their fathers.  I hope Hallmark and the powers that be will someday designate a “Special Guys’ Day.”  But as for this Sunday, let me say, HAPPPY FATHERS’ DAY to all the good, caring, and nurturing men who have been given the honor and privilege of caring for offspring!  To Sarah, Kate and Charlie, thanks for letting me be your Dad! And don’t forget the Old Spice.  To Henry Marczynski - thanks for giving me life and sharing your's albeit much too short.  And to Charlie Smith - thanks for being my dad. 

Gotta go!  One of my “adult” children needs something – so much for “empty nesting!”