Close To His Heart

Weekly Photo Challenge: Close

It’s Father’s Day all around the world. Just a few days ago, I heard from the radio that last year as compared to Mother’s Day, people only spent barely 25% for Father’s Day. For me, that is too sad. I don’t know if it’s because fathers ask for less or we simple give less. If that’s the case then it makes it even more sadder if not upsetting. Back when I was younger, there was no Father’s Day yet. During those times, me and my family honor our dad and make him feel special during his Birthdays and holidays like Christmas. Today, we are given another chance to celebrate our dad for all the generous, inspiring and beautiful things he had given us through the years. That day is Father’s Day.

My dad has always been the pillar of our home. He is a hard-working man who gave so much, love so much but hardly asked for anything. But I realized now that he didn’t ask not because he didn’t want anything. That is just who he is and I think it also goes for most fathers. Father’s Day is about our fathers having the opportunity to have or experienced the things they want. It could be a day close to the lake where he can fish or a new bike he always wanted but never bought because he would rather have his family get what they want before his own. How I knew this? It’s because I am too a father and now walks a similar footstep as my dad. Footsteps he left for me to follow. Footsteps I will always be thankful for. Footsteps which one day I hope to share with my son.

Father’s Day And What It Means

What is Father’s Day really? Is it about making thoughtful things and gestures, making sure our fathers feel loved and valued? Is it about making surprises? Is it about celebrating the day with a feast of food, wine and merry-making? Or is it simply asking our fathers what they really want, of what makes them feel happy even excited even for just one day? Perhaps it is all these but the last question, I get to reflect on today.

The two sweetest smiles who gave me love for 41 years and counting…

Just getting off from work, I was looking forward to celebrate my two days off by the beach with my family. Saturday is out since we already committed ourselves in going to a friend’s birthday but Sunday is still open for possibilities. I asked my wife if we can go to the beach on Sunday to celebrate my day. She told me we can’t because there’s Church, then my son’s reading lessons followed by a skating lesson. She simply said, “We’ll celebrate Father’s Day with a lunch.” I don’t know if it’s because I was from work and tired, or if it’s because I turned 41 this year but in all honesty, I felt so bad. I told her, “Can’t I have something that I really wanted?” She replied, “But you’ll be tired after all the activities and on Monday, our son has his Summer classes.” I told her, ” Isn’t Father’s Day about celebrating what father’s want or what makes them happy?” She just kept quiet. I kept quiet. I went to sleep with a heaviness in my heart. Then I remembered my dad. Oh, my gosh! Is this what my dad goes through every year on Father’s Day as well? I can’t remember anyone asking him what he wants. Mostly we’ll buy him a card, a gift and treat him out on an elaborate Dinner or a party. “So, what did my dad want all these years?” Tonight, I will find out. I will call him and ask what it is after greeting him a  Happy Father’s Day.

One of the things my dad love is for someone to listen to his dreams and for so many years I think I was there to listen and explore his dreams. From venturing on a farm project or a trip to his favorite place, me and my siblings joined him with a similar joy and passion. Perhaps I did ask him what makes him happy, just silently, quietly, something only a mind and heart can read. Perhaps being around us is what makes him happy.

To my dad, thank you for the love you gave me from the day I was born. Thank you for making sure that me and sisters get to achieve our dreams. Thank you for being a wonderful and loving husband to my mom. Thank you for giving me the right values that helped me go through life’s most trying moments. Thank you for showing me the road of of faith. Thank you for helping me believe in myself. Thank you for your hard work and sacrifices.

Once I was my son’s age. I remember how my dad made sure I had the best childhood. Now I realized why I love to be close to the sea so much. The sea helps me remember my dad and how much I love and miss him.

To all the fathers our there. I wish you an amazing Father’s Day filled with love, hope, happiness and dreams. Dreams you always have in your heart.

Thank you for sharing your day with. Today, as part of Father’s Day, why not ask you dad what he really wants. Perhaps it may just be a kiss, a hug or the four special words, ” I love you, dad!”

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