In the past, my musings for Father’s day have typically involved an homage to my own father, Jack, but this year I’d like to do something different. This year I’d like to salute all the amazing father’s I know.
These are fathers who are successfully balancing family and career. Fathers who are dealing with complicated medical or mental health issues. Fathers who have experienced terrible heartbreak, but somehow find the strength to carry on. Fathers who are confronting debilitating health issues of their own. Fathers in the throes of watching children fly the nest with the wings they have bestowed upon them. Fathers who have been coaches, mentors or teachers. Fathers who are searching for meaningful time in their retirement and seeking to establish an identity outside of work. Fathers who diplomatically spread their love across multiple families. Fathers who struggle to be relevant in their family’s lives despite the complications imposed by time and distance. Fathers who are struggling with internal demons and personal conflict. Fathers making sacrifices. Fathers battling uncertainty. Fathers who are missing the validation, guidance and friendship of their own fathers no longer alive.
These are fathers who are successfully balancing family and career. Fathers who are dealing with complicated medical or mental health issues. Fathers who have experienced terrible heartbreak, but somehow find the strength to carry on. Fathers who are confronting debilitating health issues of their own. Fathers in the throes of watching children fly the nest with the wings they have bestowed upon them. Fathers who have been coaches, mentors or teachers. Fathers who are searching for meaningful time in their retirement and seeking to establish an identity outside of work. Fathers who diplomatically spread their love across multiple families. Fathers who struggle to be relevant in their family’s lives despite the complications imposed by time and distance. Fathers who are struggling with internal demons and personal conflict. Fathers making sacrifices. Fathers battling uncertainty. Fathers who are missing the validation, guidance and friendship of their own fathers no longer alive.
In 1795, the Scottish poet, Robert Burns wrote a beautiful song that extolls the simple virtues of many of the fathers I know; real men whose “true gold” comes not from their wealth or social standing, but the goodness and strength of character, with which they lead their lives. In 2003, the Scottish band, Ballboy, recorded the song on their album A Guide for the Daylight Hours. Tonight, the Happy Medium Song of the Day celebrates Father’s Day with Ballboy performing “A Man’s Man For A’ That.” Go for the gold boys!
(Please use the comments box to share your thoughts.)
(Please use the comments box to share your thoughts.)