06/18/16 Weekend Grif.Net - Father's Day
Robert Griffin
[Ron’s wife Marlene Robershaw had this tribute to father’s published in their local paper (The Ramona Sentinel). Since both are avid readers of the grif.net blog, we thought we’d pass along HER work for our Father’s Day weekend edition.]
Let's be honest folks, Father's Day definitely takes a backseat to Mother's Day. Look at the facts: Father's Day was not celebrated until 3 years after Mother's day. On the calendar it follows Mother's Day by one month, Mother's Day dwarfs Father's Day in the encyclopedia, and sales for cards and flowers definitely do not break records on Father's Day. And what about those calls to far away fathers on their day? It is Mother's Day that tops the charts for long distance calls.
So what is the point I am making? It certainly is not to belittle the importance of Fathers but to show that mom's attention is just more visible. Dads hold an equal place of love in our hearts, but we show it with more reserve and less fluff. And that’s how most Dads are. They quietly go about their work and responsibilities and earn our love and respect by being there for us.
The creation of Father's Day is a very inspirational story of a hard-working single dad named William Jackson Smart. His wife died in 1898 while giving birth to their sixth child, and this Civil War veteran was left to raise the children alone in rural Washington.
In May 1909, Smart's daughter, by then a married woman named Sonora Dodd, heard a sermon on Mother's Day, enumerating the virtues of motherhood. Sonora decided to honor her dad's dedication to his children by seeking to have a Father's Day designated on the calendar. As we know, she was successful and we have been celebrating our fathers ever since.
In the era I grew up - the 40’s - our dad's worked and supported the family, came home and put their slippers on and read the paper, hugged and kissed the children in a reserved manner and were a solid rock. They were always there for us.
But even though we didn't have the generous expressions of love from our dads, we always knew they loved us. I had the assurance of my dad's love without a lot of words or outward expressions. His love for me was so strong, I still feel it even though he died many years ago. I will always remember the one time he had to use the "belt" on me for discipline. He didn't give me a 5 minute explanation before the punishment or apologize afterward, but I could feel his pain more than mine as he executed the judgment. Afterward, I knew he still loved me. I can still see dad's tears as he walked me down the aisle to give me away in marriage. My father made me help do some of the yard work-I hated it. Now I am glad for his persistence as I enjoy my gardening.
The fathers of today are actively involved in the everyday activities of their children. They have been taught and encouraged to openly express their affections. Dads do dishes, cook, change diapers and set aside daily "quality" time with their offspring. I am amazed and thrilled to see the part my sons and son-in-law’s play in the nurturing of my grandchildren. Dads are still the vanguard of discipline in the home. They don't use belts anymore, but just the firm and resolute "no" of a dad is powerful.
I don't think enough has been vocalized or written about the importance the father has as a role model for his children. Actions speak louder than words, and dads are being watched by those little and growing eyes in the family. Good fathers not only tell us how to live - they show us.
Thank you Dads !
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Dr Bob Griffin
"Jesus Knows Me, This I Love!"