This is my last father’s day from the outside. Next year I’ll have joined the club and likely have a completely different impression of what fatherhood really means. The weight of the responsibility astounds me. The knowledge that I will fall a little short no matter how hard I try is humbling. Fortunately it is that constant work towards doing what’s right that will make an equal impression and teach many of the lessons… so even when I fall short I will have a chance to succeed. To my benefit, I have some pretty good examples to look toward.
To my father, father-in-law, my wife’s grandfather, my friends who already have kids, and all the other dads out there… Happy Father’s Day! Enjoy the new ties, the Hallmark cards and fellowship with family. Find some dry weather and a bit of shade as you fire up the grill. And get ready, next year you’ll have to teach me the secret handshake.
I think it counts this year too!
Yes, I believe life begins at conception and thus I am now a Father. However, I don’t think this year counted for Father’s Day. I don’t believe I will understand what it means to be a dad until I look into my child’s eyes for the first time. If I don’t understand it, then I’m not in a place to be celebrated for it. The real work begins this October.