Dad- My Best Friend And My Hero

"Father- he’s a man of great dignity, honor and strength. His merits are noble, and of admirable length. He is far greater than all other men that you know, He’s your Dad, he’s your best friend and a true hero."

On June 15th, we will mark Father’s Day 2008, a day that brings family gatherings, backyard barbecues and more. We hope the weather cooperates for the occasion.

Back in 1924, President Calvin Coolidge of United States of America proclaimed the first national Father’s Day. Since then, Father’s Day has been celebrated on the third Sunday of June, including India. But the officially recognized date of Father’s Day varies from country to country. While many countries will celebrate Father’s Day on June 15th, but there are a few countries who celebrate Father’s Day on different dates, namely China (August 8), Nepal (September 11) and Thailand (December 5).

On Mother’s Day, most of the moms get treated to a lavish brunch or dinner at a favorite Indian or American restaurant, while on Father’s Day, many dads will have to cook their own meal. Oh, well !.In today’s tamer world, plenty of dads can be found standing over the gas grill cooking up the day’s main dish. Neither stinging smoke nor sizzling tandoori chicken/ kababs or steaks will keep these devoted fathers from feeding their hungry families. These dads content themselves with being the lord of the grill.

We have the sneaking suspicion that Father’s Day pales in comparison to the hoopla surrounding Mother’s Day. But that is probably as it should be- for fathers are often those supporting souls in the background.

Your father is the one you always turn to for advice, quite encouragement and support. He’s your guardian and a guide, someone that you count on and to be always on your side. Anyone can be a Father, but it takes a special person to be called Dad. Dad was the one who taught you to fix that broken chain on your bike, or helped you change oil on your first car. That knowledge and sense of self-sufficiency then could be passed on to the next generation- from father to son, from father to son…

For, dads can be seen as teachers- from the basics of car mechanics to deeper issues, such as how to make one’s way in the world, and how to treat others as we make our way.

Here are some of dads favorite sayings–" Go ask your mother"; "When I was your age…"; "Make sure you come home early"; "Just wait until I get you home"; "That’s not tears, I have something in my eye." That’s your, dad!

Father’s Day has become a day to not only honor your father, but all men who act as a father figure : Stepfathers, Uncles, Grandfathers, " Big Brothers ", and adult male friends. So on Father’s Day take time to show your dads, and also to those who acted like your dad how much you appreciate them and what they have meant in your lives. For this kind of acknowledgment would be a greater gift than anything that can be bought at any store. And make sure you love and respect your dad all year long, and not just on Father’s Day. ‘ Daddy’s Hands ‘ by Holly Dunn would be a perfect tribute song for Father’ Day.

Happy Father’s Day to you all !

Author: Alfie DSouza- Illinois