Having waited until I was 40 to have children( like many urban professionals of my generation) "FATHER'S DAY" has very different symbolism and meaning than it did when I grew up. (OR...could it just be because I am on the 'other' side of the equation in this relationship now?)

Growing up, I recall this day as one of obligation...to my Dad and my Grand-Dad's.  Paying a visit, sharing a dinner.   Not that I minded, but it seemed odd to make a big deal out of their roles' on this occasion and seemed even more bizzare for these men to have been expected to behave differently on this particular 'special' day.  It often became all about watching their awkward behaviour as they were expected to receive, display and be more demonstrative emotionally in response to  this somewhat forced acknowledgement and affection.   No one knew quite what  to do.  So as the years went by  this day became simply another occasion for a family get together--and the Dads were the 'excuse.'

Upon becomming a Dad, I was very determined not to repeat at least some of the same mistakes of my Father and  I wanted to have Father's Day really  mean something to me and my boys--now seven and nine years old.  So, from that first Father's Day nine years ago, this day is a clebration of MY CHILDREN and the gift being a Father to them means to me.  In doing this, perhaps the most unexpected gift I received was the understanding and forgiveness of all those 'mistakes' my Dad had supposedly made--or at least I thought they were mistakes-- UNITL I TOOK ON THE DAD ROLE and then  realized that my Dad was not superman but rather just doing the best he could with what he knew and who he was.  WOW!!  Did that take the pressure off him--and now ME!!!

So, to all children on this FATHER'S Day...I honor you and what you mean  to your Dad !  After all, there would be no Dads to celebrate on this holiday at all if not for YOU!'

Oh...and of course to all of you Dads out there... HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!!!!!!!!! 

NOW...HOW ABOUT A NICE BIG HUG???!!!!!!