Happy Father's Day

Fathers come in all shapes, sizes and personalities. Some are kind and gentle while others can be mean and rough. We learn life through our interactions with them as they have learned from their fathers.

They mold us to who we become, whether we are like them or learn to be opposite of them. We may love or hate them but they are the person that helped to bring us into this world. Even if you don't get along with them, perhaps just being grateful for their part can ease that pain.

I was fortunate to have a father that loved me and my sisters with all his heart. He and his siblings had a rough start to life with a father that was not so kind or loving. They knew of his temper and made every attempt to stay out of his way when he was in a foul mood, to avoid yet another bruise or bump. My father left home as soon as he could but he knew in his heart that when he had kids, he would never be the kind of father that he grew up with and until the day he died, he never was.

He sacrificed a lot to give to us because he believed that his kids and wife came first. A true father just does what he has to do to be there for his kids. The true definition of fatherhood is about giving, sacrifice, unconditional love; whether they are biological or not, those who truly care do these things for their kids.

I once knew someone who was that kind of man. He had a dream of what he wanted to do with his life and was ready grab it. But when the time came, he put his luggage down and sacrificed that dream to take in his two nephews when they needed someone the most. He gave them shelter, the necessities, discipline and more importantly, love. He may have not had kids of his own but he is a father to those boys, who have become the men they are now because of him.

Another friend married his long time girlfriend who had three kids. He loved them as if they were his own and treated that way, so when they got married, it was a natural transition for the kids to start calling him dad since they already thought of him that way.

For me personally, I was fortunate to have had an amazing dad and I know that even though he is not here, he still watches over us, making sure that my sisters and I always stay safe. Rest in peace, daddy and know that we miss and love you very much.

How lucky are we to know that men like that exist, who truly care and are so giving of themselves? That show their love, compassion and kindness while being the strong men they are. They are true super heroes in these days when we lack them.

To all you dads out there; may your day be filled with joy, laughter and love. May your family celebrate the wonderfulness that is you and honor what you have done to always be there for them. The happiest Father's Day is wished to each and every one of you.