– Continue to rise to the challenge and be the best father you possibly can

THE Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) has extended a Happy Father’s Day to all fathers in Guyana and the world over.

In a message, Union President Patrick Yarde said Father’s Day was founded in Spokane, Washington at the YMCA in 1910 by Sonora Smart Dodd, who was born in Arkansas. In 1909, Sonora, the mother of Father’s Day, was listening to a Mother’s Day sermon when she realised the need for a day to celebrate fathers, especially her own Father, a Civil War veteran, William Jackson Smart, who was a single-parent raising his six children. Its first celebration was in the Spokane YMCA on June 19, 1910. However, it was not until 1972, some 58 years after United States President Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day official, that the day honouring fathers became a worldwide event. Every year since, on the third Sunday in June, time is taken to honour fathers and their role in the family and community.
It is noted that the campaign to celebrate fathers did not meet with the same enthusiasm as Mother’s Day, perhaps because, as one florist explained, “fathers haven’t the same sentimental appeal that mothers have.” You are one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society. Fathers tend to be taken for granted. One of the manifestations of the way we take fathers for granted is that there exists many more quotes about Mom than dear Dad. Many fathers themselves acknowledge that they are not doing the best job that they can for their families. Often, the demands of work may keep them out of the home for hours on end each day, or even many days or weeks at a time.

However, it is very important for fathers to know that to your sons you are the “North Star”.

BEING THE MAN YOU ARE

By being the man you are, you set the example for your sons, whether or not you are in the home. The way you dress and present yourself, your work ethics, the way you treat women and others, and the way that you love and care for your families are all observed and emulated by your sons, even when you are not around. Fathers, when you teach your son, you teach your son’s son. The quality you set as fathers can be seen in the goals, dreams, and aspirations he sets not only for himself, but for his family. Therefore, it is your responsibility to be the best role model for your sons.

But, make no mistake dads, you are your daughter’s hero, too. There is no kind of affection so purely angelic as of a father to a daughter. One of the greatest gifts that a father can give a daughter is self-confidence. To raise her to know that she is beautiful, loved and has the capacity to be anything, and do anything that she desires as long as she is determined and prepared to work hard to achieve her goals. Daughters will often look to their fathers for the qualities in a man that they choose in a partner. So fathers, it is upon us to be the kind of man that we would choose for our daughters.

Fatherhood can be both a demanding and gratifying endeavour. Fathers are often looked upon as the pillars of strength in their families; they are expected to be both a provider and protector. Some fathers take on this role as a single-parent, which makes it so much more difficult. In the current environment with the COVID-19 pandemic, many fathers may have lost their jobs, or have to contend with poor or reduced incomes, leaving them feeling helpless, in that they cannot provide for their families nor protect them from this deadly coronavirus. It is important for them not to lose hope during these difficult times. It is also important for fathers to know that it is okay to ask for help, and lean on others for support.
Fathers, let us remember that fatherhood is a gift. It may come with great burdens, and sometimes inconveniences and sacrifices, but the opportunity to mold your children’s lives and be impactful is priceless. While a lot may be required from you as a father, the love, admiration, respect and gratitude you receive in return is the greatest reward. So, on this Father’s Day 2020, I implore every father to continue to rise to the challenge and be the best father that you can possibly be, a mentor, coach, cheerleader, supporter and comforter. In extending sincere Father’s Day greetings to you fathers, my brothers, I implore you to view the challenges in the future as mere hurdles to overcome to the benefits of your love ones mainly your children.