Father’s Day

We all have a father. Some are near. Some are far—so far they are gone. But fatherhood has a presence in society that hopefully keeps maturing and reaching out.

Washington State was the first to celebrate Father’s Day statewide back in 1910. It all began in Spokane, Washington, when Sonora Smart Dodd, one of 6 children raised by her dad after her mom died, initiated the holiday to recognize dads.

It wasn’t until 1972 before Father’s Day became a permanent national observance. Father’s Day is now recognized in every part of the world with the United States, Canada, and many Asian countries celebrating it on the third Sunday in June.

The image of fatherhood has expanded, we now have stay-at-home dads.

I could share some of the significant advice my dad gave me, usually in the form of a direct order however over the last few days I’ve been considering another aspect to celebrate.

The good father loves the children’s mother.

My dad was true to mom. They had many of the typical problems married couples go through and I never liked the times they argued, but dad and mom loved. They worked hard for us 5 children.

When I got married, my husband and I had a couple of children and then became licensed foster parents. All of the children were treated equally, no question. My husband was fatherly to any child who walked through the door.

But, what strikes me most? My husband loves me.

Yes, for the children to see the fathers loving the mothers of their children is truly worth celebrating. Because the children know more so they are loved.