ALT-2 A brief History of Fathers Day
I never gave much thought to Fathers Day until today; I guess that reflects on what my life has been like. I think and i hate to admit that I may have taken my Dad for granted up to a point. They often say that you don't know what you have until you loose it. I loved my Dad and knew he was key in my life, but sadly when Dad passed on late last year after succumbing to injuries sustained after a automobile accident, it hit me just how much he really meant to me. So when I can across the advert online for Fathers day, I was curious to find out its origins. So i surfed the next and found numerous sites on the history, the celebrations and gift ideas for this day.
Celebrated on the 3rd Sunday in the month of June, Father's day is set apart to acknowledge Fathers' contribution to their families. It is a time for children show their love and appreciation for their Fathers. I was amazed that it was originally the idea of Ms Sonora Smart Dodd who was brought up by her father in the 1900's, the first Fathers Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910. It was not until 1924 that President Coolidge recommended that Fathers Day become a National Holiday. The 3rd Sunday on June was designated as the day for celebration of the Holiday in 1966 by President Johnson. It took another 6 years before it was instituted as a national observance by President Nixon. Now the day is celebrated and marked the world over.
So why is it important to mark Fathers Day? Children look up to their fathers for their spiritual, emotional, physical, financial and social well being. This day gives then a chance to think of how important their father is in their lives.
In my opinion, since fathers are fathers 24/7 so we don't wait until it too late to say and show your Dad love and appreciation. Let it not wait only for Fathers Day, make everyday special for your Dad/Father, with the simplest of things. It doesn't have to cost you a ton load of money, saying "I love you Papa", making his favorite meal for dinner/ lunch. In truth it the thought that counts, so say with an embroidered handkerchief, wash and clean his car or making him a simple card. If you can afford it, but him a book, a pair of tickets to a sports game or something functional like a next tie or briefcase.
The best you can do is spend time with him, doing what he loves. If for any reason you can be with him physically, make that call and talk to him. send him an email and let him know you are thinking of him and thank him for being there for you. For me Dad the best I can do is pray and give you a dozen whites for you.
"My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me." - Jim Valvano
