That time of year has once more rolled around to remember our fathers. Our local observance is unique, for we are the birthplace of this day of honor. The first Father’s Day celebration was held in a local Methodist church.
Mothers are by far the more honored parent, while fathers are often taken for granted. The American father’s role has drastically evolved over decades of change. In many cases, he no longer is the only bread-winner in a family structure. The economy being as it is, both partners must share in the earning of a living for their families.
It is not rare for fathers to share in the duties of home and child rearing. But in far too many situations, fathers maintain a lifestyle established when only he furnished the finances, and the mother remained at home. These wives and mothers struggle to divide time and energy with the hours remaining after a hard day of employment.
Fathers of the 21st century need to re-evaluate their position as role models and establish a firm relationship with their children. Shared activities, though well-intended and much needed, can never substitute for personal interest and caring commitment.
The responsibility of instilling the proper and right principles of character and personality must be equally shared by both father and mother.
The old adage of “do as I say, not as I do” has proven to be a failed method of child rearing. Our nation, as never before, desperately needs fathers to lead their children by example as well as precept. The character, ethics, mannerisms and beliefs of the father are daily absorbed by his family and passed on to future generations.
The ultimate goal of every father should be to become a “dad.” A true dad is one who a child can turn to in times of questioning and disappointment. A dad may not have the ability to audibly express his feelings, but he nonetheless communicates a caring and solid foundation of dependance and love. A dad to a son may at the same time be a daddy to a daughter. He should be his daughter’s ideal of a future husband as he shows love and respect for his cherished wife.
It is easy for a man to become a father, but it is a life’s ambition and daily commitment for a father to become a dad.
As we once more commemorate Father’s Day, may we fathers of all ages and generations recommit and endeavor to become and remain through all of life the best dads we are capable of being. America has plenty of fathers; the urgent need remains in the lack of dads.
May all fathers be remembered on this Father’s Day with an appreciation for all their sacrifices and contributions to our rearing and our foundation for life. The fact is we would not be here without them, and in all honesty, we would not be who we have become without them.
— Elton Slusser
Opinion
Ultimate goal of any father is to become a true ‘dad’
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