Of Dads and Other Heroes

Like some first time fathers, he was hoping that their baby would be a boy. He wouldn't know what to do with a girl, and what's up with all that pink? I watched them together the other day, this man who is a complete natural as a father, interacting with a tiny little baby, who just happened to be wearing a pink polka dot onesie and a huge pink flower on her headband. Such love!

We tend to make a big production out of Mother's Day, as we should, but Father's Day, not so much. This is reflected in Father's Day greeting cards, where there are a lot of neckties, barbecues, beer mugs and cheesy jokes and not a lot of sentiment. Maybe some fathers shun the hoopla, but I'll bet even those guys would love to get fussed over just a little, to get a phone call that tells them they are appreciated, to read a note that says they have made a difference.

Father's Day in America is this Sunday. If you are a dad, thank you for all you do. Thank you for running behind the bike, holding on to the seat and knowing exactly when to let go. Thank you for cutting the crusts off sandwiches, understanding that little things like that are really a big deal. Thank you for not getting mad when you step on yet another Lego in your bare feet. Thank you for checking the closet for monsters. Thank you for putting a little one up on your shoulders, so he can feel as tall as you.

You might shrug and say that what you do is just part of your job. You may think you are just an ordinary guy going about his business, and you would be wrong. If you could see yourself through the eyes of your child, you would know you are a hero. And all of us,  little kids and big kids alike, could always use another one of those.

Happy Father's Day.

Susan

"Isn't She Lovely?" written by Stevie Wonder for his daughter Aisha.