Today is Father’s Day. I wish every dad, and all men who act as dads, a happy Father’s Day. There are many men out there who don’t have children of their own, but they are role models for young boys and girls.
As I was discussing Father’s Day with a 10-year-old child the other day, I asked him what he liked best about his dad. Caleb said so many good things about his dad that I don’t think I can mention all of them.
He told me his dad was kind, nice, he played with his children — and that was just the beginning. Caleb told me another trait of his dad’s, but I would not print that in a family newspaper — although it is extremely funny. That little boy is absolutely precious and if you knew his brothers, sister and all his cousins, you’d know I’m telling the truth.
Of course, I could be just a trifle prejudiced since all those kids would be related to me.
Just after celebrating a Father’s Day when I was a child, I learned quite an interesting lesson.
I had saved a small sum of money, maybe 25 or 30 cents, and I placed it in a little container on a dresser in our bedroom/sitting room at home. I guess I might have been about 11 or12.
For Father’s Day I wanted to buy Papa a little present, so I used some of the money I had saved. Then I promptly forgot I had used part of it.
A few days later, I told Mama someone must have taken some of my money because some of it was missing. She asked me if perhaps I had spent it. I not only said I knew I hadn’t spent it, but I had an idea who had taken it.
A few days after that, I remembered that I had bought Papa a little gift with the missing money. I told Mama and she made me apologize to the person I had accused. That was tough.
Many years later, after I was married, the question of theft and honesty came up again. I think it was something about a trial that was getting a lot of publicity on radio and television. Vic’s dad made the remark that unless you are absolutely sure that someone is guilty of theft you should not accuse them.
I thought of my accusation many years back, and although I didn’t bring it up, I agreed with him that people should not accuse others of any kind of dishonesty unless there is proof. Sometimes I think that makes me look just a bit like a little goody-two shoes, but stop and think about it. I certainly wouldn’t want anyone to accuse me without proof, and I feel sure no one else would like to be accused, either.
Anyway, for me, that Father’s Day of my youth carried with it a lesson that has remained with me my entire life. I’m grateful to Mama for making me apologize, and I’m grateful to my father-in-law for later explaining the repercussions more fully.
Most dads I know are good, upstanding residents and worthy of the name “Dad.” All men who are good examples to the very young and to pre-teen and teenagers are deserving of the title. Because of people like them, life is bearable for some of the children who have no male role models around to show them the proper way to act.
To all these dads and pseudo-dads, thank you, and may your special day be extra special for you and yours.