Today was the day for me to sit around and do what I want without any argument from the family once they ceremoniously lavished me with gifts and a cake. Nice gestures from my loved ones with whom just having time with is a gift in which I treasure. Hence, when it came my time I chose to spend it doing what would be considered a "Fatherly" duty; grilling out.I enjoy being in our backyard cooking up some hamburgers and hot dogs while my family enjoys the weather. Usually my daughter is chasing skittles while Heather is sitting nearby the grill and trying to hold a conversation with me. Skittles is usually doing her best to beg for a bite of hamburger in between escape maneuvers. These are the times, as a dad, I hope my kids will look back on with a smile and a thought that although I was strict, maybe I wasn't so bad.
I think all fathers hope the same thing. I think we all try to balance being the "heavy" with being fun and reliable. We may not show too much emotion, outside of anger, but the others are there within us.
As men, I think we naturally look to the harder side of life and want to prepare our children for obstacles they may face. We harden our lessons in hopes of softening the blow of life for our kids. We see the world in a much harsher light than the mothers and hope that our children will understand the reason for the difference in our parenting. Lately it seems my daughter has been undecided on whether or not she is happy with my parenting skills. Currently I feel she has resigned herself to the fact that she has to deal with it for another 12 years and then she can make a run for it.
She was excited this morning to be able to show off all of her hard work by presenting me with a present she made for Father's Day. I haven't wore it, I don't know if I will. I actually think I might frame it and hang it up somewhere.
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY
