For All the Fathers I Know …
Posted by: Devyl GyrlI have three fathers …
My biological father, who I know better now than when I was a child (But who I saw summers and holidays my whole childhood).
My stepfather who raised me but was not always kind or honorable when trying to get his point across.
And, my best friend’s father, who did not enter my life until I was in my mid-teens, but who bridged the gap between my other two fathers by showing me kindness and love and treating me the same as he did his own four children.
As a single mother who receives no “help” from her child’s father, I am Mommy, Daddy, and everything in between. This is not to say I parent alone. My best friend, my good friends, and my best friend’s family all help out when the going gets rough … or when I need a mommy time out. Lil Lady has the benefit of having uncles who adore her and consistently show up for her when a “fatherly” moment presents itself (such as dancing with her at a wedding or participating in “Daddy/Scout” functions with the girl scouts, family friends who reach out and touch base with her despite not seeing her for years, and four grandfathers who dote on her. She also has a father, who-on the rare occassion he puts forth the tiniest effort-brings the light to her eyes and the music to her heart.
I know not everyone is as blessed as we, and that some fathers are complete failures. Lil Lady’s father is not always deserving of admiration, but at least he does not abuse her or ignore her 100% of the time.
I would like to take a moment to celebrate the WONDERFUL fathers out there, whether they be traditional family men, stand-in fathers, adoptive fathers, stepfathers, fathers from afar, single fathers, or any combination of the above. HAPPY FATHER’S DAY. Kudos to all of you for doing your best to be a parent to your child(ren). And to the single mothers who are both Mommy AND Daddy, Happy Father’s Day as well.
xoxo
June 21st, 2009 at 8:44 pm
This is a lovely sentiment!
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June 21st, 2009 at 8:44 pm
::hugs:: Happy Father’s Day, lovey.
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June 21st, 2009 at 8:49 pm
Thank you, from one at-home daddy who knows he couldn’t be blessed more by anything than his son’s love.
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June 21st, 2009 at 9:03 pm
I think it’s becoming more and more apparent that the concept of Family involves much more than biology or custody.
Parenting is hard…and humbling. Kudos to all who try to do it well.
–f
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June 21st, 2009 at 10:34 pm
Thanks from a newly-minted single dad who finds this holiday rather poignant this year….
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June 21st, 2009 at 11:12 pm
Nicely done.
June 22nd, 2009 at 7:14 am
When I called my step-father Sunday to wish him a Happy Father’s Day he was genuinely surprised, despite the fact that I’ve done it every year since he and Mom have been married. He is important to me and to my kids. I love that you have so many ‘dads’ to help you along in your life and in Lil Lady’s.
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June 23rd, 2009 at 10:23 pm
Loves this