More fathers stepping into their role
Dear Editor,
What is celebrated outside of the month-long recognition for children, and a month after the highly anticipated Mother’s Day? The suspense may be killing you, but the answer is Father’s Day.
Over the years, Father’s Day has never been associated with the frenzy that its equal, Mother’s Day, continues to enjoy. This, I believe, is due to various factors, including the widespread absence of fathers in the home, the lack of financial support, and the myriad other reasons mothers and children give for not being excited when it comes on the Father’s Day.
Some have taken it a step further to give their mothers Father’s Day gifts. This, however, has got the attention of the fathers and, in recent years, there have been signs of more and more fathers stepping up to the plate and actively playing their part in the parenting of their children. More fathers are seen taking their children to and picking them up from school, extra-curricular activities and church. More fathers are seen there at the bedside of their partners in delivery rooms and on the bench at the clinics with their sick children. More fathers are seen at Devon House, primary/prep/boys’ and girls’ championships cheering on their offspring. And more fathers are applying through the courts for custody access to spend precious time with their child(ren).
It is evident that, while many fathers have failed, quite a number are trying very hard to turn a new page and are seeking the forgiveness of their children for a chance to make things better.
There is no denying the invaluable role that mothers have been playing, but this Father’s Day, the biggest present for some fathers is for the child to say, “Dad, I love and forgive you.”
Mothers and children, let’s help the fathers in their quest to becoming great role models for the future generation. Happy Father’s Day.
Hezekan Bolton
h_e_z_e@hotmail.com