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BY SONIA D. DAQUILA
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Monday, June 19, 2017
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THE IMAGE that flashes in our mind when we say, “father” is that of a strong man. He is the shoulder we can lean on when we are troubled. He carries us when we are hopeless and props us up when we are weak.
He makes us happy when he makes us realize that the answers to our questions are just found in us. He makes us smile through tears in his own way by assuring us that there is a better tomorrow. He is our hero when we realize he loves us more than himself.
Today, the image of an exacting and authoritative father has been gradually changed by a father who also mothers his children by changing diapers, preparing milk, feeding, proudly carrying his baby around, and singing lullabies. Fathers now make life easier by sharing domestic chores, and some even taking pride of their cooking. Fathers cry when they are happy, when they are angry, or when they are sad and helpless.
Traditionally, fathers accompany their sons or daughters down the aisles in a wedding ceremony. Normally, sons and daughters bury their fathers, but in times of war fathers bury their children. Outwardly, the heroes’ fathers wear a smile and beam with pride but they are devastated deep within. Society dictates that fathers must be strong. They ought not to shed tears and so, whenever I see a father crying, I easily melt because I know the emotional current within is too strong to be contained. Fathers can be weakened too, spiritually, physically and emotionally.
Do you remember your father’s tears of joy and pride when he went on stage to don on you medals of distinctions? Do you recall when he cried because you disappointed him? Do you remember him when he eased your doubts when he hugged you in your many misgivings? Do you still reminisce when he wiped your tears and assured you everything will be fine?
Is the memory of his stern words still ring in your mind and made you conclude he was right you were wrong? Do you still recall when he shed tears on your wedding day? Can you feel how a father forgets about his own hunger and pain just to see his children happy?
June is the month of fathers. Go embrace your father and tell him you love him. A simple gesture of respect, of appreciation, and a simple gift can make him feel life is worth living. He maybe in his middle-age now, a few steps to the grave, or you may never hear his voice again for he had already crossed the great divide. Take the opportunity daily. Life is too short.
Everyday is Fathers’ Day. (delsocorrodaquila@gmail.com/PN)
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