Father's Day

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This quote is by famed author

Nikos Kazantzakis, about teachers,

but the context is in relation to

fathers.

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It’s about the role of the father as

a nurturer but also as a figure that

does anything for their children,

even suffering or dying in the

process which encourages the

child to do the same for their

offspring. 4

“True [fathers] use themselves as
bridges over which they invite

their [children] to cross; then, having
facilitated their crossing, joyfully
collapse, encouraging them to
create bridges of their own.”

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My mother died when I was 11 leaving my dad and I to figure out life without her. This poem sums up my dad
for me. I have come to appreciate how hard it must have been to be a 40-year-old widow with a pre-teen

female to raise.

© Wendy Nichols 6

My father's love never places judgment on me,
his love comes unconditional and unselfishly.

For all the things you've done to show how much you care,
always remains as a reminder that you will always be there.

I'll never forget the affection you have shown in so many ways,
faithful to me, as a father you have never missed a day.

The way you look at me with that twinkle in your eye,
no matter my situation lets me know I'll be alright.

You have taught me the difference between right and wrong,
and as I became a woman, you taught me to be strong.

I'll always be grateful for you being there through my struggles and my
strife, because of your encouragement, you taught me the meaning of life.

Now you raise my little sister who is so close to your heart,
another little girl from whom her father she can't stand to part.

As she's just a baby now I watch you teach her as she grows,
and I sit back and I smile because one day she will know

This special man who she calls Dad is the one person who will be there
when she's happy or she's sad.

When she is grown there will be no doubt in her mind,
of the father she loved who never left her behind.

Each day as you look in the mirror, I pray that you see,
there is no one in the world who will ever mean more to my sister and me.

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My first best friend…
My number one biggest fan…

My first cultural curator…
The best story narrator…
The first man I loved…
Who went beyond and above…
The one who loved me the most…
Proud of me, he’d always boast…
Happy Father’s Day Daddy

Rest in Power

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“Will the Real Fathers Stand Up?” 12

I remember as a boy, the times I had shared with my Papa. For me
those times seemed ordinary, yet fulfilling and fruitful in every
way. Not having my biological father in my life, I never felt any
void since my Papa (my biological grandfather), had been in my life
from the very beginning. I know that it isn’t rare to be reared by
grandparents these days, but it is a serious responsibility for any
man to accept; to positively mold a child as his own, nurturing and
loving that child, while creating a bond like no other male figure
could do. There are those rare and special men who dare to provide
a positive role model of fatherhood during the formative years of
children, which is when they need it most. These male role models
sometimes ground a child enough to give them direction, a solid
foundation and good judgement skills that can save them from
making harmful mistakes in life.

There is no substitute for a nurturing father who gives his time, his
treasure and sometimes his life, for the children he loves. Many
times, not even a biological father bonds this strongly with their
children. Just ask any well-loved, adopted child that has grown
into adulthood where they stand in this scenario. I would guess that
when adopted children have experienced the special care of two
great parents who gave them nothing but love and acceptance all of
their lives, these parents become the first example of true love in
that child’s life.

I give praise to all the men who took fatherhood seriously. I am so
glad that the spiritual power, that I believe in, strengthened the
character of these men. May God speed you on your journey of
fatherhood every day of your lives and may you receive back, 100-
fold, all the love and respect that you have shown to your children.

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Gino & Dad
Gino & Family 16

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Father's Day Memory

My Father’s Day memory is one that has repeated itself every single year. I do not know
why my wife would do it (tribute to a “Wife!”), but every single year for as long as I can
remember, my wife would rally the kids to honor me in some creative way that only she
could imagine. When the kids got old enough, they all participated in the creativity.
Eventually, the kids (then young people) found their own way of honoring and
demonstrating their appreciation and love for me. To be honest, they were honoring a
lifestyle demonstrated by servitude. One that was demonstrated to me by “Someone” I
greatly admire.

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I have lived as best as possible, especially toward my family, a life of “selflessness.” It
has and should never be about “me,” but about those around me. And for this small
window called time, I had decided early on in my marriage, especially when the
children started coming, to give my “self” to them. Because at the end of the day, it
should never be about “your” self, but those around you.
I have at this point in my life begun to see the fruit of my unselfishness for my family. I
have labored and loved, expecting nothing in return. This is the greatest attribute I can
give my kids.

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Courtesy of the Cultural Heritage Resource Group via the
[email protected]

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