It is once again the international day designated to honoring fathers everywhere.
My father has 3 boys and a girl – me. I feel fortunate to be the only girl as it makes me feel special. I have often wondered what it would have been like if he had had another daughter. Of course he has a godchild who lives in China but I am completely unable to recall at this late hour if it is a boy or girl. A horrible admission to be sure, but understandable since I have never met the child and only hear of him/her sporadically.
It is on this day that I am thankful that I have a father who lives a decent life and allows his children to be who they are without fear of his disapproval. Granted, a little disapproval now and then would have probably gone a long way in steering me in the proper direction in life but I believe that we create our own destinies and I am thankful to have created mine, such as it is. As I see it things can only get better from now on, despite the blows life will continue to throw in my path. Free will and destiny, a dichotomy one truly begins to understand as wisdom slowly seeps into our consiousness.
My step-father has been a guiding light in my life, a voice of reason when I have been unable to make reasonable decisions myself. I appreciate his down-to-earth approach to life; his unassailable belief in all things scientific that helped me to understand much of the world around me – not to mention his invaluable help with my homework as a child!
And lastly, my brother, who is/was like a father to me. His knowlege and thirst for learning and understanding is limitless and I would not be the person I am today without his influence. His kind understanding has helped me through the most difficult times and I am completely indebted to him.
For these three important men in my life I am truly thankful, and I can only say that one day is not enough to express all that they mean to me.
And if that sounds schmaltzy so be it. Sometimes a little shmaltziness is called for.
xoxo
