We honor the fathers who played important roles in our births — biological, social, psychological, intellectual, emotional, spiritual or national… and all throughout our growths. The fathers: biological fathers who’ve gone beyond being mere sperm donors; adopted fathers whose hearts we’ve grown into; social fathers who’ve induced us to give birth to our creative, intellectual selves and watch closely the very first steps as we trod along our chosen fields; fathers who’ve taken us under their wings and let us grow our own while egging us on to fly, and fly high — our mentors.
When we’re being acknowledged for the roles we play, it fuels us to give more and accomplish more. Being appreciated gives tremendous inspiration. Nothing beats the feeling of being held significant in someone’s life. Knowing that we matter makes a huge difference. We feel loved and honored. When I greeted my friend earlier a “happy father’s day”, I got an unexpected reply… “Thanks. Same to you.”
“Same to you.” Three simple touching words. I love words and these three top my best-list right now. My friend acknowledges my role as a dad. Ain’t that sweet? I’m proud to be a mom-dad to my son. Anyway, I have more balls and em>chutzpah than the spineless ‘Dads’. ;)
Let’s go back to my dearest friend, the unsung hero — OFW dad. My mentor. He held the print media door open and shoved me right in; taught me the literary walk; coached me the literary talk; tapped me gently to sprout my wings… all the while I’m under his wings. When I couldn’t tie the pieces together; words a jumble or a whole darn article lack luster, the man pushes me to probe, ponder, tinker and liven it up more. Awww! I could’ve wrung his neck :) He wanted me to make the impossible possible, man! But he’s sweet, undemanding and non-bossy so I perkily obliged and write-it-away. Bring hope where there’s none. It’s no easy task to talk full of life when you’re dying inside. It’s lighting up a cave by striking two stones together to create a spark. When Mr B instructs me to turn a negative-sounding article to a positive one, he’s not just helping in my writing but more so on my mental and emotional well-being… from hopeless to awe-inspiring. He guides me to the start line and directs me to the right finish line…
Boy, am I ever so lucky? What with an editorial assistant role in my mentor’s editorship?! I recently asked his permission to let me test my wings on Canadian air. His reply, “The higher, the better…” But I don’t have sturdy wings just yet, I guess. I can get through anything. Mr B sees me. He hears me. And Jus just greeted his poppymom “Happy father’s day, Mommy!” Hah! I’m flying high!
Author: Joy Marqueses
*Published in True Friends Newsmag (August 2008 issue)
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