To Father’s Day
Rockcurrent, June 14th, 2013
Years ago, Father’s Day became known to me after my kindergarten-aged son brought home a piece of wood for me, which was marked by his hand-writing, saying “I am a chip off the old block”. When I saw the phrase on that father’s day, my nose was sour and tears were almost pouring out. The feeling of be-loved and loving overwhelmed me at that moment.
When my younger son was born in hospital, I cut his umbilical cord and hold him in my arms, watching him to peer into the new world with one eye open and the other closed. That moment I was thrilled to be a father.
Several weeks ago, when I was reading together with my younger son, he started to talk about eating cake, then began to sing ‘happy birthday to you, happy birthday to dady ‘. This was the first time he sang something. I was so amazed by his voice and his progress in language, the English. All my efforts start to pay back!
But at these moments, I did not remember my own father. In fact, except for holidays, I rarely think of my father. Sometimes, when my father was in my mind, and I realized that I did not call home for a long time, I felt guilty to myself.
As a man in his middle age, it is hard to meet all the requirements that are expected from me. I began to understand the hardship my father encountered, and the responsibilities of being somebody’s father. A group of words, strength, protection, love, generosity, patience, responsibility, faith, wisdom, warmth, joy, etc., jumped into my mind to best describe a father. I would believe a father means everything to a family. No matter what happens, a faithful father will cover or disregard his own pain and bring back home his love, happiness and strength.
Sometimes, I ask myself the question: are you a qualified father to your son, especially after I disciplined my son. Honestly, I know I am neither a qualified father nor a qualified son. As there is no perfect father on this imperfect world, I would be glad to do my best to grow up together with my sons on the journey towards perfection.
So, this weekend I will give my father a call, and I will spend time together with my sons, cheering and adoring whatever they will have done.
