Fathers and Freedom

“I believe that what we become depends on what our fathers teach us at odd moments when they aren't trying to teach us. We are formed by little scraps of wisdom.”
― Umberto Eco

FATHERS AND FREEDOM

Sunday is Father’s Day, a day we acknowledge dads and their contribution to our lives. Sunday is also Juneteenth Independence Day or Emancipation Day.  It marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas got word of the end of the Civil War, and the end of slavery.  This occurred more than 2 ½ years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which had become official on January 1, 1863.

Juneteenth has been celebrated as an African American holiday. It is now it’s a federal holiday and one that all human beings should be proud to celebrate. This isn’t about politics; it’s about acknowledging the freedom from 1 human being owning another human being. We own cars and houses and pets and things…we don’t own people. Let’s celebrate that freedom!

Father’s Day is also often minimized or overlooked. It’s a day for a cookout and funny cards, no mushy, gushy sentimental cards/gifts for dad. No, the Father’s Day card selections are filled with jokes or lawn mowing relief or beer references, and only a few have real expressions of love. Why not? Isn’t it time to liberate fathers from being seen as simply the doers of “manly” chores?  Fathers come in all shapes and sizes, and they don’t have to be blood-related to have a positive impact on a person’s life. It’s time to give fathers a day of deep appreciation they deserve.

My dad died over 30 years ago. He was a man of few words, and he worked hard. As a fireman, he always had 1 or 2 other jobs to make ends meet. There wasn’t a lot of playtimes together with dad. But what I received from him was precious: his example of doing the right thing for the right reasons. My father was consistent in his love for his family, and when he spoke, I listened because his wisdom came in short, thoughtful segments. He was an athlete and a musician and a woodworker, a public servant, and a loving father. He helped me to be the independent, strong, freedom-loving woman I am today.

I’ve had other father figures in my life, and I appreciate each one. If you are lucky enough to have (had) a loving, caring, strong, and stable, father, celebrate him. If not, seek one out and say thank you.

It’s time to celebrate freedom, fathers, and growth, and joy, today and every day. Have fun!!

Love and Light,