By Gyna Jean-Pierre
CSMS Magazine
I never understand why Father’s Day is such a low-key event. Although in most families, the father’s role is an undeniable fact. Yet, when it comes to recognition, few of us seem to throw our sincere gratitude toward the pivotal element of a truly functional family: the good-old father, the one-and-only, the backbone from which the family foundation was built. I have to admit there is always a feeling of guilt that dwells in my heart each time this day is up on us, and the presence of the warmly atmosphere, the motherly vibe, the festive, the ambiance that would embellish the house is nowhere to be found.
I have to say I’ve married a man who was my high school sweetheart; someone all my friends thought was not worthy of my love. They said he was a practical joker, and when he proposed to me on an unforgettable rainy day, I was speechless. We were young and inexperienced, but vicissitudes have helped to craft our characters over time and to strengthen our maturity and our ever-growing love and infinite reality.
Years later, here we are: inseparable, indivisible. Two beautiful children, I couldn’t ask for more. I’m not here to say every marriage is the same, and that love is a one-way street. There are some contaminated and polluted sinners, but they are so few in numbers. So, we can’t judge our fathers through the prism of these insignificant losers.
If we agree there is no sailboat that can claim to earn the wind that moves it, we must also agree there is no sentimental feeling at its purest form. However, it is our daily effort to reach the zenith of our passion, devotion and admiration that has made us strong enough to overcome those unwanted obstacles that never cease to lurch our way.
Today is Father’s Day, and I want to say I’m sorry for not taking up this special moment to reiterate once again with all my might how much you mean to me. You ARE the pristine source from which I drink the water that sprinkles my life with the heavenly love. You ARE the companion on which I lean in moments of uncertainty. You ARE above all the reason for which I wake up each day and be ready to overcome any stressor.
Darling, from the deepest fibers of my soul, I want to say, “Happy Father’s Day!”
Note: Gyna Jean-Pierre is a creative writer. She is the author of several essays on women in the Caribbean. She lives in Ponte Vedra, Florida.
The fathers deserve this. It should be celebrated big time, like Mother’s Day.
The fathers deserve this. I agree on all counts.