Dads

FROM THE PAGES OF B.D.N.

Columns: Keeba's Korner

HAPPY DAD'S DAY (To all the REAL Dad's) (876 words)

Dad’s Day

I always say that no one needs to state who they are, but their actions should speak as to who they are and or are not.

As often stated, my dad was not a man who walked around proudly and claimed he was a dad as his actions spoke LOUD and clear.

My dad was not a man who just allowed a woman to have his children, but fathered the seeds. My dad had 3 and sometimes 4 jobs
to supply our habits of eating, our strong desire to sleep inside a warm home with electricity, as well as the longing hope to have
clothes on our backs and medication when needed. Often his brothers would call and asked, "And how is the family?" Now, I do not
believe their inquiry was limited to my mother, the dog and the limited-lifetime fish, but my dad’s children as well.

I am very happy as well as pleased when I honestly say that my dad could easily answer the question, 'How is the family.'

Today, I ask, where are the dads? Can you proudly say I AM A DAD? Do you know the definition of "Dad?"

Microsoft Word provides the following definition of "dad" as: 1.) Father 2.) Male parent 3.) Progenitor 4.) Sire 5.) Parent.

The Super Thesaurus describes "Dad" as, 1.) Daddy 2.) Father 3.) Pop 4.) Papa 5.) Old man 6.) Parent 7.) Governor 8.) Protector.

The Holy Bible "heritage edition," states, FATHER, a word which means "protector" and has several meanings. It can mean an
ancestor, (I Kings 15:11; II Kings, 14:3) a founder (Genesis 10:21; 17:4,5; 19:37) a benefactor (Job 29:16), a teacher (I Samuel
10:12), or an intimate relationship (Job 17:14). The position of the father as the head of the family finds its root in the patriarchal
government (Genesis 3:16; I Corinthians 11:3). God is designated as Father of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:17; I Corinthians 8:6),
"the Father of light" (James 1:17), "the Father of spirits" (Hebrews 12:9), and the Father of man (Acts 17:26; Luke 3:8).

When referring to the Bible, the 5th commandment clearly states the duty of the children, however, the duties of the parents to the
children are also strongly emphasized in the Scriptures. The job of the parent is to train the child to fear and respect the Lord and
must refrain from provoking the child to unnecessary anger in order that the child will not be discouraged (Deuteronomy 6:7;
Ephesians 6:1-4.)

If children are to be gifts from God, then why don’t we as parents do more to show appreciation and cherish the gifts by being
parents to the child?

Let us not boldly proclaim our own self-given titles, but actually live up to the name we proudly wish to be acknowledged by;
allowing our actions to show and speak for themselves.

For all of you REAL Dad’s, I can onlyyyyy simply say, THANK YOU!

Thank You for getting up all hours of the day and night to tread to work so that your children can enjoy the necessities of food,
electricity, clothes, and a roof over their heads. Thank You for chastising your children when needed and thereby keeping them
from harming others, but worse yet, themselves. And though tired, Thank You for staying up late to tell them bed time stories even
when they feel they are too old to be read to and tucked in. Thank You for staying up late at night, securing the home, and making
them feel safe. In lieu of blaming the lack of concern in our education system, Thank You for taking the extra time to help them
study and finding the answers to not only the questions in their study books, but in life as well. Thank You for taking the time in not
only saying you love them, but showing it as well. Thank You for being dads and not just a donor of life but donating to an enriched
life for your children. Thank You for showing – being a role model for your male children and teaching your female children how
to get along in this life. Thank You for being there when the mom’s could or would not. Thank You for teaching them that they
must be aware of their own actions/accountability, thereby teaching them respect and responsibility. Thank You for teaching them
how to save money as well as to spend wisely. Thank You for being a reflection of what a REAL MAN is and that his/her heritage is
something to be held to the highest esteem and hence should be carried on with the same integrity.

I Thank You, MEN [REAL MEN] for putting all of your selfishness aside and sacrificing your own needs by putting your children
first. To all of the MEN, who are and are not biological dad’s, Thank You for being a parent for the children.

The children Thank You for teaching them how they too can be prosperous and active dads in years to come. In addition, they Thank
You for teaching them right from wrong and how to care for you in your old age.

For that reason, I simply wish to say, Thank you!

©Keeba Smith-Hankered Writer and Feared Compressor
K Smith is an author, columnist and social issues commentator
KSmith023@yahoo.com

Happy Father's Day