Father’s day for more than gift giving

Father's Day gives those of use who are fortunate enough to have children the opportunity to reflect upon and enjoy the relationship with our offspring.

Advertisements would make an observer believe that the purpose of this special occasion is to adorn fathers with gifts. Mothers and children often get together to prepare a Father's Day feast. Someone unfamiliar with our culture might wonder if this day was designed to fatten up old dad. Since the date falls in June, we may remember and associate the day with vacations. If you are an adult and your father is still alive and living in another city, you may call him, or write a letter to reminisce and let him know what your relationship with him really means.

My father loved homemade ice cream and he usually requested this special treat as part of our celebration. My younger brother, sister, and I took turns hand cranking the cylinder full of fresh peach ice cream, his favorite flavor. Later when the chore was lightened by an electrical mechanism, we used to say it just didn't taste as good, although I am sure it was because the work involved made us anticipate the delicacy all the more.

All in all, I believe we would agree that the most important purpose of Father's Day is to let them know that we love them and cherish our relationship. For that reason, I would like share with you a poem written by an adolescent and used as a Father's Day card.

THE COMMON LINK

Looking into the eyes of someone I know well,
Seeing the details of my life unfolding before me in the mirror,
I can find the pattern of another in my life.
When I look hard into my face I can see you there,
When I listen to my voice I can sometimes hear your wisdom,
When I face a difficult trial in life I can feel your hand on my shoulder.
You are part of who I am and who I will be.
True, we do not agree on all aspects of life,
And we are sometimes worlds apart,
But still you play a definite role in who I will become.
So when it seems we cannot agree or compromise,
And we lose sight of where we are going,
Remember that we are always linked together by one common thing,
That of the love between father and child.

Copyright c 1995, Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D.