This is a day that kind of leaves me with no one to dote over. It's Father's Day.
My Father passed away nearly 14 years ago, and I'm just about to be divorced from my husband. So while I hear of many adult women working to give a little more attention to the men in their lives, I sit at home and experience a day just like any other.
Oh, I did send some gifts and greetings to a son, a son-in-law, both of whom are fathers (and very good ones). I also sent a gift and card to my ex.
I think that's about the most I can do right now.
So as the sun sets on Father's Day, I tend to get a little jealous of all the attention the men are getting out there today.
Sure, I had Mother's Day a month ago. My daughter took me out to lunch on the day before, and on my actual day, I sat at home missing calls from three of my children. I had talked to Son #1 on Saturday night. Nevertheless, it was a lonely day. Granted I did see two of my children a week later after I drove to Knoxville to see them. Granted I did get an I-pad from two sons and some other great food and lotions from my two youngest, I still felt lonely and ignored on Mother's Day. By Mother's Day, I hadn't received one card. I did get two cards a few days after Mother's Day, however.
I'm not really saying that my children ignored me on Mother's Day. They didn't. Each in his/her own way, remembered me on my day. Nevertheless, I was lonely on Mother's Day. Today, my son is taking his dad to a Pro Baseball game.
Am I being a big baby here? Am I forgetting the real purpose or reason for a day to honor parents? Am I putting too much attention on me and not enough attention on the needs and honors due other people?
Some of my children will read this post. They will think I'm overdoing it. But I can't deny that I felt very left out and insignificant on my day last month. And maybe, maybe just alittle, I'm jealous of all the men who are getting lots of attention today from their children.
Really my Father's Day is a better day than was my own Mother's Day. I continue to wish my ex-husband a great day at the game. I wish my son a similar great day at the game. And to my son-in-law, may he get some rest after a day and weekend of moving my daughter and grandkids to a new and bigger home.
Today I was able to mother my plants and do a few things I had put off for far too long. I am glad there are fathers in the world, and especially fathers who father 365 days a year.
Notice that I haven't said too much about my father. He did what he thought was right for him in his time, but today I still suffer from too many years of neglect and put-downs from my dad back in the 1950s and early 60s. Many of us women fall into dysfunctional marriages with men much like our fathers so we can at last right the relationships that just didn't go right when we were kids. But even to my dad whose spirit I hope still circulates in the heavens, thanks for doing the best you could. After all, that's all one can ask for, right?
So Dads across the USA and even around the world, kiss and hug your kids, no matter how awkward that may feel today. Your daughters and sons will remember forever. Really, they will!
Try it.....and forgive my jealousy for all the attention you're getting today!