The last year has been tough for all of us. Mentally, physically and spiritually the pandemic pierced through our way of life very swiftly. Plans were cancelled, jobs were lost and the entire world seemed to shut down. While we were forced to deal with a new challenge, we may have forgotten that someone dear to us also experienced the very same thing. Perhaps even more so.
A father, our fathers, that special someone who has given us love, care and protection for many years. If you’re lucky enough, your father may already be retired and enjoying life spending the rest of his days on a porch somewhere breathing fresh air, enjoying the scenery and watching the day go by. But make no mistake, the threats of the pandemic still looms large.
Unfortunately, those children whose fathers were severely affected by the pandemic is a much different story. How many stressful days and sleepless nights must’ve taken place in their everyday lives not knowing how to put food on the table or keep a roof over their heads? Waking up every day without certainty and struggling to bring happiness in our homes?
While we sit and complain about the hardships this pandemic has brought us, eating and living comfortably in our homes, let’s learn to reflect and be grateful that our fathers still continue to find ways to provide for us a better life. A simple “How are you?” and “How can I help with anything today?” goes a long way. If this journey has been the most challenging for anyone, it definitely isn’t us.
While we’re so busy exercising, staying fit and living a healthy lifestyle during this pandemic, did we even make an effort to check on our own father’s health? The same way that they fed us growing up and feeding us nutritious food. It must have taken a toll on their own health.
As life gradually returns back to normal, some were fortunate enough to survive while some did not. After all their hardships to help us get through this pandemic and bring happiness in our lives, did we once ask them about their very own happiness?
Our dear fathers have shown us the importance of family and how it triumphs above all. When your so-called friends weren’t even there for you, know that although our fathers may not have held our hands during our personal struggles, they always had our backs along the way.
If our fathers have taught us anything, it’s that health, happiness and family is what matters the very most. If these three things are intact, we, along with our families will always survive no matter what the circumstances may be.
Just like any of us, not every father is the same and not all fathers are perfect. Some of us are lucky enough to be blessed with not even a father, but a mere father figure. While some of us didn’t have a chance at all.
If you’re one of the lucky ones, know that you are one of the most blessed persons on earth. The gift of having a father in your life is unlike anything else. Let’s hope that it isn’t too late to show and tell them how much we appreciate everything that they have done for us.
To all the fathers out there, you are the strongest, wisest and most loving person any child could have on this planet. And although they may fail to show you sometimes, they truly know deep down in their hearts about your unconditional love for them. A huge THANK YOU to all of you! You deserve the world!
This is an ode to all the fathers and father figures around the globe who never gave up on any child and any challenge. For showing them that you are always there no matter what happens and that everything will be alright in the end. This is the day to celebrate each and every one of you. Happy Father’s Day!