FOR FATHERS' DAY

For Fathers’ Day

Fathers‘ Day calls up a number of thoughts and this photo, which is one of my favourites, can serve as a hub for them.

It has, I suppose, never been easy to be a Father (or a Mother for that matter). But in these cynical, politically correct times, in the death grip of American left liberalism which has spawned radical feminism as well as environmentalism, multiculturalism and a grab bag of other –isms, it is hard enough being a man, let alone a Father.

Sure, for the sake of commercialism, Fathers have been emphasised over these days running up to tomorrow, but there is no depth or conviction about it.

But it is a grand thing to be a Father and even a Grandfather! I speak from experience.  The earliest years of a child’s life are wonderful despite the stresses and cares, the dirty nappies and the occasional smile that gives way to a projectile output. The consolations of the responsive love and joy of one’s own little child are immeasurable. 

 Despite the fact that many children still feel the natural need to distance themselves from their parents as they struggle through the pre-occupations of finding themselves in their teens and coming to terms with puberty, they generally reach the stage where they can relax and regard their parents quite comfortably. There is an immense fulfillment, pride and satisfaction in seeing the achievements of anyone we love – but in the case of our children and grandchildren, it produces a special inner glow.

It is true that there is the down side:  the problems of illness – suffering and risk are hard to endure and the failures and occasional, even fundamental faults they might display. But the anxious prayers of a loving parent are a special privilege to offer up. They also provide opportunities to look at ourselves afresh and consider our own faults and failures.

So, as Fathers’ Day 2011 is about to dawn –THANK YOU TO : my own late dear Dad and those who went before him ( at least one not so nice) and to my dear wife who made it possible and to Maz and Jut and Matt who have given this Father so much to be grateful for. And thank you also to ( in order of appearance) Stephen Dixon ( see photo asleep on his Fathers tummy),  Josephine Dixon, Emily Whiting, Gabrielle Dixon, Christopher Whiting, Anastasia Dixon and, last but not least, Daniel Whiting, all of whom have re-juvenated their Grandparents and none more than this Grandfather!!

It will be a Happy Fathers’ Day for me and I wish my dear son Matt a Happy Fathers‘ Day 1,000 Kms to the North in God’s own country!