It's the dads' turn

This weekend marks the annual celebration of and for the daddies, the papas, and the old men. That’s right, it’s Father’s Day, a day that calls to mind images of dad flipping burgers on the grill and opening homemade cards and boxes containing ties.

Father’s Day is a relatively new celebration, not really seen outside Catholic traditions until the early 20th century, when it was established to complement Mother’s Day — first celebrated in 1908. Father’s Day was first established in 1910.

While celebrating those with whom we have genetic ties is certainly the base for the celebration, it’s also important to also keep in mind those who have had a fatherly influence in your life, whether it’s a family member, friend or someone who helped to raise you up when nobody else seemed to care.

On a sadder note, for those who have lost their dads and those paternal figures, Father’s Day can be difficult and filled with heartache. While the loss is hard, it can also be an opportunity to remember those times when your father made you smile or gave you some advice you’ve kept to. If you were a rebellious youth, you might remember that moment when you realized his actions were not an attempt to limit you, but to guide you and lift you up.

For those who became daddies for the first time in this past year, congratulations and enjoy being able to have those little boys and girls easily within your grasp before they figure out that whole “walking and talking” business. It’ll be here sooner than you realize.

To all of the dads, hopefully this weekend sees a few moments where you can kick your feet up, have a drink, take in the chrome and color of the car show if you’re so inclined, and reflect on what it means to be a father. And don’t forget to wear the tie.