Letter to Fathers Everywhere
By Tabitha Ervin
FWIS Editorial Director
As I start this letter, I am blinking away tears thinking of my own father and all the lessons he either taught me or showed me throughout my life.
Fathers you are important, you are necessary and you are valued. No matter how you have experienced the journey of fatherhood, know that your child(ren) need you. They need you to be present, to support, to hug, to lead, to teach. The most well-rounded child is raised with experiences both inside and outside of their home. How we are raised and what experiences we have or are exposed to help shape the adults we will become. Every interaction matters, every pat on the back, every clap, every “great job”. Fathers, we need you to be a part of these experiences.
I want to encourage our fathers and father figures to keep showing up in the face of adversity, despite challenging situations or “drama”. Your child (ren) deserve to be with you, to be loved by you.
For every experience in life, there is something to give or to take, something to learn or to teach. Let’s show up fathers and do your part, we need you!
As we approach Father’s Day, let’s support and celebrate our fathers! Let’s reach out, touch base and connect. If needed, let’s forgive, apologize and make things right among family members. We all get one life and one time to live. Let’s not let pain, drama, lies and unforgiveness distract our relationships and how we live and connect with our fathers. Hopefully this speaks to someone and you take time to mend relationships as needed. Get help or support if needed to start this process.
As someone who unexpectedly lost my father four years ago now, I would give anything for one more conversation, one more hug, one more funny voicemail. I know he would be so proud and tracking along with my life and accomplishments as he always bragged about my siblings and I. We miss him dearly!
Happy Father’s Day to my Father, my husband and my brother!
Happy Father’s Day to all of the Fathers out there! Have an amazing day and be blessed, we are thankful for you!
