Not So Traditional Fathers Day
Growing up I didn't really do much for Fathers Day. My parents divorced when I was about 3 and my father was in and out of my life till I was about 9. I did have uncles, cousins, and a really great grampa that took, not the place of but some of the duties, my father would have been responsible for. Those few others were around to help out with how I grew up not missing out on anything and to be honest I never really felt I was missing out. So today we celebrate the not so traditional fathers on Fathers Day.
My grampa walked me to and from school everyday. It wasnt far from his house growing up but he was out there with me everyday. We used to walk to the grocery store and he spent a ton of time with me. We used to roadtrip with him to visit his family during the summer. He was the one that taught me how to drive. When I was in elementary school I remember making handprint crafts for him for Fathers Day. There are so many things he did for me and with me that I think I have forgotten about overtime so I wanted a place that these memories would live on.
I also had 1 uncle in particular and 1 cousin I can remember that was always around. They made sure I had fun but not too much to get into any real trouble. I went to Magic Kingdom for the 1st time with my uncle and his daughter. I can remember waiting, and waiting, for the electrical parade to start. They both lived with my grandparents at different times so we were really close. And even when they were off on their own they were always around and always available. They have both had children of their own and I can only hope they have raised their children with the same love and support as I got growing up.
It is different now that I am older and differentiate the difference between them and the roles they played versus what a real father role should be a little more but I do very much appreciate what each of them did and the parts they played in my life.
Take time today to celebrate a non traditional family. It might be an uncle, a teacher, a step father, a coach, grandfather, etc. Just take a few minutes to recognize that relationship in your life.
I love this post, not all Dad#s are the traditional Dad, I always try and say the father figure at this time of year as they can come in so many different shapes and forms.
ReplyDeleteMy husband always asks for peace and quiet. He is spending the day in his office so that he gets that peace and quiet!
ReplyDeleteKudos to all the non traditional families out there. Especially single moms that are some of the best dads I know!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I have many uncles here and along with my Father, we always celebrate it together. Eventhough they are not my birth father, they are the father in the journey in the life!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. It's great that you had adult members as role models. That's what's important.
ReplyDeleteLovely post. There are some seriously great men out there that step up to the plate when it isn't their responsibility to do so and I take my hat off to them so happy fathers day to your hrandpa, uncle and cousin
ReplyDeleteIt is true that not everyone has a father, but they may have a great male role model who can be celebrated too.
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ReplyDeleteHappy fathers day to all men out here who ha been playing a Father's role.
ReplyDeleteMy father was not in my life. I was raised by my grandfather so he is also my dad in a way. I admire men who take the role of a father when someone doesn't have a father. I also like to celebrate single moms because they are both mom and dad. Your story is similar to mine. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteFor us all these celebrations are spending and doing things as a family. A great reminder to appreciate those little things in our life.
ReplyDeleteThat was really sweet. Its great to be able to have people their for you no matter what.
ReplyDeleteHappy Father's Day! Your right, this is a day to recognize the different bonds that you do have in your life. You just may fulfill or bring joy to that person who may have been otherwise overlooked.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautifully written. Fathers aren't just our birth fathers but those who stood as a father figure when our dads couldn't. They deserve this day as well!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that you had all these other positive male role models in your life. You're very lucky (I didn't have any!)
ReplyDeleteOh I really love this. One doesnt have to actually be a biological father to be a great dad. I´ve had some amazing father figures who I celebrate and thank God for.
ReplyDeleteWe definitely should be celebrating whoever our father figure may be. I know that not all people get to keep their dads and that's sad. Its why since my divorce I didn't want to not be a part of my daughter's life.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you chose to honor the father figures in your life. We have lots of other family members who can step up and fill an important role and they deserve the recognition on this day too.
ReplyDeleteyes, uncles, grandparents and even cousins played a big role in my up bringing and I appreciate it very much. I did have a step dad as well though my father wasn't in my life. Most families are very "untraditional" so much so that I believe they are the norm.
ReplyDeleteevery father is our worlds strongest being so celebrating them is always a good thing to do, so nice to know they deserve the best and yes we do it for them. happy fathers day to all fathers and intending fathers out there.
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