If you're lucky enough to have your dad around this Father's Day, here's why you should give him an extra big hug.
Growing up, my relationship with my dad was complicated - a mix of love, anger, and life lessons I wouldn't fully understand until much later.
I remember this one time when I was just a kid in grade school. My dad promised me these cool Michael Jordan shoes, the ones you could pump up with air, if I got straight A's for the whole year. I busted my butt, and when that report card came, it was all A's, hell yeah!!
So, we went to the store, and the guy there let me try on the shoes. I was on cloud nine, feeling like a million bucks. But then, my dad asked about the price, and it turned out they were like, three times more expensive than your average kicks. And just like that, he told the guy to put them back and find something cheaper that looked similar. My heart just shattered.
Now, in our house, talking back to your parents was a big no-no. You had to respect them, or else. So, I tried on these generic shoes, tears streaming down my face, while my dad tried to convince me they were just as good. I was devastated. Little did I know that this moment would stay with both of us for years to come.
Fast forward to my father's final days, and life had a funny way of putting things into perspective. On his deathbed, one of the last things he said to me was that he wished he'd bought me those damn shoes. Can you believe it? It must've weighed on him all those years, seeing how disappointed I was.
An hour later, he passed away.
As I sit here now, reflecting on my journey, I can't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for the lessons my father taught me, even if they came in unexpected ways. I realize that every parent, every person, is doing the best they can with what they have.
If your father is still alive, I urge you to reach out to him, to give him a big hug, and to let him know how much he means to you. Life is too short to hold onto grudges or past hurts. If there's been a falling out, consider taking the first step towards forgiveness. It's not about condoning wrong actions, but about freeing yourself from the weight of resentment.
And if your father has passed on, as mine has, take a moment to remember the love, the laughter, and the lessons. Honor his memory by being the best version of yourself, by spreading kindness and compassion in the world.
We all have our own stories, our own struggles, and our own triumphs. But at the end of the day, it's the love we share that truly matters. It's the connections we forge, the forgiveness we extend, and the gratitude we cultivate that make life worth living.
So, to all the fathers out there, thank you. Thank you for your sacrifices, your guidance, and your unwavering love, even if it wasn't always perfect. And to all the children, remember to cherish the moments you have with your parents, to forgive their shortcomings, and to carry forward the love and lessons they've instilled in you.
In the end, it's not about the shoes or the material possessions. It's about the love we give and the love we receive. It's about the choices we make every day to be better, to do better, and to love harder.
That's the legacy I choose to carry forward, and I hope you will too.
