Fathers Day: They Come and Go

Fathers Day in June is like so many holidays that just seem to come and then go with little significance for most of us. Sure, we take the time to buy our fathers a Fathers Day card and a present. We even visit and enjoy a bit of down home cooked, finger-lickin' good BBQ.

Sadly, many fathers do not enjoy these simple rituals observed on Fathers Day. Why? Well, as unbelievable as it may seem, there are many fathers who live in this economic giant called America that cannot afford to do so. These fathers simply do not have the money or the time to enjoy such simple pleasures. Very much like a single person in a crowd, these men go unnoticed and uncared for.

Who are these men and why can't they enjoy these holiday pleasures? Fathers, businessmen,cooks, waiters,laborers, painters, artisans, construction crews, grocery clerks and more make up this group. Do not forget those fathers that comprise a part of the homeless and unemployed numbers. American society does not adequately meet their needs. Thus, they spend much, if not all, their lives on the outside looking in at "the American dream for sale in the window." For these fathers , it is a situation not of their doing. Yes, there are those few who are true bums and low-life of American society that will never do anything to help their condition. Gladly, they are not the majority.

My father was a poor man, but he lived a life that was rich. My father knew how to dream and how to reach for those dreams. That was his goal in life. I did not learn his life lesson until long after his death. I now remember most of the lessons that my father tried to teach his unwilling student. Whenever I use what he taught me, I actually see my father in me.

Like my father, I may not be overly rich, or even well-off. But, i knew his love and the love of my family. So, when a holiday such as Fathers Day comes along, I give notice. It becomes an important day for me. It becomes a day when I celebrate my father and his life. Then I give thanks for my life no matter what my temporary situation might be at that moment.

To my father: "I love you...always did...always will. I will never forget It has been almost 11 yeas and still I remember. Thanks for being a part of me...father.