REFLECTIONS ON FATHERHOOD
Author: Arleen M. Kaptur
Father’s Day - stores are filled
with gift ideas and cards. There are special programs dedicated
to honoring fathers. Yes, fathers are a very special group
of people.
This is an open letter to each and every father
out in the world. This is directed at you if you currently
are living and raising your children, your children are
grown, or you have fathered a child but do not have the
pleasure of being an integral part of that child’s
life. Also, if you are a father and do not have or want
any contact with a child that carries your physical attributes,
this is for you.
A child is a unique combination of genes.
Some are from the mother and some are contributed by the
father. There are previous generations that also are taken
into account. In other words, this child is a burning emblem
of civilization and is given the responsibility of carrying
the torch of the world to its resting place.
There is so much more than scientific endowments.
There are emotions, hopes, dreams, and aspirations. A child
is a mirror that reflects only the best of what mankind
is capable of creating. It is history in the making, a promise
for the future, and the pride of the beholder. A child is
a complicated assortment of atoms and molecules, as well
as a simple solution to loss of hope. You can dream with
a child, and grow in awareness of everything around you.
Miracles abound in life with the gift of innocence. Time
comes to a standstill and our daily activities are sidestepped
so we can look at an insect and marvel, or see a bird and
truly see it for the first time. Giggles, hugs, and tickles
wrap up a perfect day. We are one step closer to perfection
and yet the small hand of a child holds the keys. Their
steps are tiny and the road is long. They have endurance
and capabilities we can only marvel at. A child is simplicity
dressed up in its finest.
Missed opportunities of being with your child
are irretrievable. Your child will never go back in time
no matter how many times you do. Only their shadows remain
to haunt and point an accusing finger. If you are not a
vital part in your child’s life, there will always
be a void that no one else can ever fill. This space in
the soul of a child will ache and be painful for as long
as the child lives. Only your touch, your attention, and
only you can soothe and cure. The responsibility is great
but the rewards are incomprehensible. You are not complete
if there is a void in your child’s life.
Taking a rocket to the moon is child’s
play when compared to raising a child to adulthood. There
are no owner’s manuals and no guarantees. There are
only promises and assurances of tomorrow. Expectations may
vary but there are no mistakes. You do the best you can
and that is all that is asked. Mistakes also pave the way
for growth but absence builds the roadblock. Walls of years
of neglect can be torn down with a kiss or an embrace. Past
disappointments are just that - the past. It may take time
to completely undo what it may have taken years to build
but the labor is worth it. Your reflection will always be
in your child’s eyes and your lifeblood flows in their
bodies. Their hearts are equipped to forgive and forget,
but they need to know you care. Feelings and emotions can
be mended, but abandonment is an open sore that never heals.
On Father’s Day take the time to know
your child, be a vital part of his/her existence and be
grateful that you have contributed to the building of that
rocket to the moon.
(Written by
someone who never knew their father) HAVE A HAPPY FATHER’S
DAY! ENJOY! © Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 May
About the author: Arleen Kaptur
has written numerous articles, cookbooks, and the novel:
SEARCHING FOR AUSTIN JAMES Websites:
http://www.arleenssite.com
http://www.Arleens-RusticLiving.com
http://www.webspawner.com/users/rusticliving
http://www.topica.com/lists/simpleliving
NEW
BUSINESSES IN LACEYVILLE
We have updated our business directory. Check
it out
REMEMBER TO SHOP
LOCAL THIS NEW YEAR AND SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ECONOMY!
Visit our
local stores for your Holiday Shopping. You'll find
some unique gifts available on Main Street, Laceyville.
Linda's Corner Store, Laceyville Hardware, Vern's Feed Supply,
Eb's Market, Indian Hill Antiques to name a few have just
the right gift for Valentine's Day, Easter, and more.
Feedback is always good, so feel free to contact
us. Just remember that it may take up to a week to get
everything posted. So send everything in as early as you
can.
Of course, if you're looking for something
to do, then don't forget to check out the local area
events for lots of fun for your friends and family.
Want to know what's up in Laceyville all the
time? Then just go the home
page and click on "Click Here to Make Laceyville
Your Home Page" link and you'll be able to see what's
going on every time you log onto the Internet.
Cheryl Carnright
Webmaster
http://www.laceyville.com
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