Father's Day: A time to honour the Real Heroes in our lives

Father. Dad. Daddy. Stepdad. Bonus Dad. Pa. Opa. Pop. Poppa. Grandpa. Grandad. Gramps. Uncle. Patriarch. Godfather. Fur Kid Dad. Vader.

It's that time of year again, the day that we celebrate all those who are or have been Father Figures in our lives. It's a happy day for many and can be a day of emotional turmoil for many others.

Most of us are aware that Mother's Day and Father's Day are two of the most polarising days in our calendar. But these days remain significant in our hearts.

How Did We Come to Celebrate Father's Day?

Great question! I wondered too, so I thought I'd do a little digging to see who started this Father's Day thing.

Well, it would appear the person generally credited with starting this whole event was Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington, USA. And for good reason. Her father, a Civil War veteran, raised her and her five siblings as a single dad after their mother died in childbirth.

Sonora had the idea while listening to a Mother's Day sermon in 1909. Her idea was supported by her local community, and on 19 June 1910, during her father's birthday month, the first Father's Day was celebrated.

In 1966 a proclamation officially recognised Father's Day in the USA, and in 1972 it became a national holiday. Here in Australia, Father's Day was recognised nationally in 1958, 13 years earlier. (Note to self: follow up why we don't get a public holiday!)

From my brief Google search, I learned one thing that really stood out. Father's Day was the brainchild of a young woman raised by a father who filled the roles of both mother and father in her household at the turn of the 20th century. This day was created by someone who never had the traditional nuclear family, simply to celebrate everything her father had done. That's pretty humbling.

My dad passed away when I was just 14. For a significant part of my life I was raised by my single mum, who had no choice but to fill both roles. Which she did amazingly. I've also been fortunate enough to have several strong Father Figures throughout different stages of my life.

Celebrating Dad - Love Beyond Borders and Biology

Maybe I'm wrong, but I think we all want strong, stable Father Figures in our lives.

For some of us, our fathers didn't offer stability and strength. For some, the people who should have been the safest were not. For others, our fathers have swapped their earthly address for a heavenly one. My heart goes out to all of you.

For some of you, fatherhood was something you longed for, but it never happened. Some of you are proud dads to fur babies. Some won't get to see your children this Father's Day for many different reasons.

If any of that sounds like you, choose today to celebrate the Father Figures who helped shape your life. They may not even be old enough to be your father. Reach out and let them know how much they've meant to you.

If your father has passed away, have a chat with him. Or share some memories about him with someone else.

If you don't have children of your own, celebrate the Children of Your Heart. For me, that's the children of my best friend.

If you're a Fur Dad, celebrate them too. Give them some extra treats and spend time doing something they love. (Mine are currently asleep on my bed, which is probably their favourite activity.)

If you can't be with your children today for whatever reason, write down your thoughts about what it means to be their dad. They may have passed away, or they may simply be beyond your reach right now. Your words may become something deeply meaningful in the future - for you, for them, or for someone else. Never underestimate the power of your words.

Take Time to Reflect on What Father's Day Means to You

Most of us find ourselves in a mixture of Father's Day situations.

You're a father, a fur father, a stepfather or bonus father. You have a father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather, or even a great-great-grandfather if you're lucky. Or perhaps you are one of those grandfathers yourself.

Wherever you find yourself in that family line, Father's Day is your day.

I hope you find joy in your day, however you choose to spend it.

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