I'm not about the label culture but I'm always about a day set out to celebrate dads because they're the unsung heroes in parenting. Mums are typically at the forefront of proceedings and get a lot of buzz because of that. Evident in the fact that there are at least 7 different Mother's day in a year but only one Father's Day.
When I think about it though, I think dads like it this way. I think I speak for most men when I say that we'd rather just steer clear of all the emotional stuff and just do our duties. I'm not saying we don't want love and attention, I'm just saying we generally can't handle the outpouring of emotional and whatnot.
I love my dad and to me, he's among the greatest men to ever walk the Earth, but he's someone that epitomises the idea I'm portraying in the previous paragraph. My dad has been an ever-present in my life in every possible way, but in nearly 28 years of my life, I can count in one hand the number of times this man has properly expressed his emotions in words.
I remember last week when I spoke with my parents and while on the phone, my mum said that my dad has been missing me. I could hear my dad screaming "it's a lie oh" in the background but I know he does and shows it in his own special way, by sending me money to buy shit. That works pretty well for me.
He's the classic dad role model that shows up EVERYTIME you need him and will do anything to help you out. However, don't be expecting any kisses or hugs when you're crying; daddy doesn't do hugs and you know what? I totally like it that way.
Mum handled all the emotional stuff in the family while dad was always on-hand with a calm rational head to handle things. His emotional steeliness is something that I admire and probably inherited a great deal of. As I grew older, I realised the importance of having a clear head in situations and never being overwhelmed by emotions. He never said it outrightly, but I've learnt that having a logical approach to a problem is more important than crying and whining over it.
He's a really awesome person, with a kind heart that always shows up. He's the closest thing to a superhero on Earth to me and I'm lucky to have a dad like him. I'll most likely emulate his kind of love to my own kids but maybe throw a tiny bit more emotions.
He works in the shadows because he doesn't want to hog the spotlight. When everybody's crying, dad has to keep his mind active to ensure that the family keeps working. Dad doesn't do hugs, and doesn't get pissy about the blows he receives from life; he takes it in his stride, cries in silent and gets shit done.
Shout out to all the awesome dads in the World, you're the real MVPs and I wish you all the best. Happy Father's Day.
