FOR DEAR OLD DAD

William Smart, a Civil War veteran, was widowed when his wife died while giving birth to their sixth child. He raised all six kids by himself on a rural farm in Washington State. While listening to a Mother’s Day sermon, his daughter Sonora realized her father deserved to be honored for his selflessness and sacrifice. So, on June 19^th, 1910, the first Father’s Day celebration was held in Spokane, Washington. In 1966, President Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3^rd Sunday in June as Father’s Day and President Nixon signed the law, which finally made it permanent in 1972.

This coming Sunday, Dad is officially the “head honcho, ruler of the roost, and king of the castle.” Today’s eclectic family dictates that the gifts and pleasures bestowed are not dependent on DNA. “Dad” is the man who lovingly and respectfully helps raise the kids. He’s the one who deserves all the honors, kisses and kudos, regardless of his official title.  

If money is not a concern, a weekend trip to Pebble Beach, or 49er season tickets are more than appropriate. If, however, your piggy bank is looking a bit emaciated, there are still ways to make his day - one he will remember with love and appreciation. And the best part, the kids do all the work!

Turn the lawn chair into a throne that puts within his reach everything he needs to be king for the day. Use clamps or tape to attach appropriate accessories (umbrella for shade, drink cup, back-scratcher, etc.) Brainstorm together everything he enjoys. Bring out the boom box or i-pod with his favorite songs, and a bucket for soaking his feet. Serve his favorite smoothie, or beer in a frosted mug. Dish up his favorite meal on a breakfast tray, and if you really want to go out on a limb, assign each family member slave duty for an hour. Dad can demand back, foot and head rubs. One minion may have to wash the car, while others clean the back yard or garage. If you’re looking to get out of manual labor, offer to bring him the paper and read it to him!

Don’t forget the homemade cards. They are truly priceless. Use construction paper, pictures of the family and endearing quotes, like, “A wise son maketh a glad father – Proverbs 10.1.”  Or, “When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years – Mark Twain.” And my favorite, “The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother” – Henry Ward Beecher. For more quotes, poems, recipes, and gift ideas go to www.loveyoufather.com.

Dads, if you’re reading this, act surprised! Also, go over the top when showing your everlasting appreciation for the special gifts your children made. Listen to their stories, adventures and congratulate them on a job well done. As Shakespeare penned in “Merchant of Venice”, “It is a wise father that knows his own child.”

Contact Margaret Lavin at elementarydays@gmail.com.