Father's Day....

A letter from a mother/daughter to fathers:

You have been entrusted with this huge responsibility whether you realize it or not.  Being a father is probably the eye opener for you then any other experience in your life.  For the mere fact that someone is looking to you for guidance, someone is looking to you for wisdom, someone is looking to you for fun, someone is looking to you for attention.   And this isn't just someone - this is your offspring, your child - a product of you. Sometimes this child is a mirror reflection of you and you have no idea how God could create two people like that.  Sometimes, this child is the total opposite of you and you learn to love the child unconditionally.  This child has begun to make its way into your heart when no one else could.  This child has begun to show you how to love when no one else could. This child has begun to make you aware of your habits because you know that he/she is watching.  This child has begun to question you without attacking but just trying to understand why you do the things you do.  Whether you realize it or not, you are a role model for this child.  They will either follow you, or they will abandon you depending on how much love, time, energy, respect, sharing, and attention you give them.  It is not about the money and the toys you buy them -in the end it is about the time you spent with them and the energy you gave them.   If you are a father, a father to be, a god father, an uncle who is like a father figure  i say to you it is not to late to give that time back to your child/ren.   Time is all we have - because at the eleventh hour we would have wished we had more time.   Be with them - the work will always be there, the tv shows will always be there - but reach into their minds, explore what it is that they are absorbing into their minds - give them your wisdom that was passed down to you through your parents - your father - even if there were mistakes made with your father - it is a chance to do it right with your child.  And most of all - love, - there will always be misunderstandings- there will always be moments when we do not see eye to eye, but that is the nature of life - seek to understand, even disagree, but never stop loving.  
My father made an imprint in my heart.  He spent many days away traveling - but he never forgot to give us his time - even when we were away, he sent us letters to let us know that he thought of us.  In his wise words  " Accept what may come and live fully in the moment."  He did and he taught us to do the same. 
Do the same with your children.   My son said to his father two days ago-"daddy i want to be just like you." That was priceless.   An imprint has been made in his heart and it will conitnue to be made. 
This is a day to salute Dads in their role - and say thank you for being there, for showing up and being fully present with your children. 

Journal Prompt:  Write a letter to your father.  ( Instead of buying a card, i had my son write a letter to his dad).  He decided to make a poem out of his name.   Try it.  It may be fun.

Happy Journaling!