Father’s Day 2024
Their favorite things
By Christina Reed
The Hired Pen
“A father is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow.”–Unknown
Eastern Sierra, CA—Father’s Day, Sunday, June 16, 2024, much like Mother’s Day, is celebrated around the world, and at different times for different countries. The United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom celebrate on the third Sunday of June, and although it took much longer for our country to recognize Father’s Day, than Mother’s Day, it is a national holiday. Sonora Smart Dodd, a resident of Spokane, WA, is credited with creating the idea of a Father’s Day in America, and she wanted to honor her father (a Civil War veteran who as a single dad, raised six children). President Lyndon Johnson signed a proclamation in 1966 honoring fathers. And, in 1972, President Richard Nixon declared it a national holiday.
“For all the men who love us with a father’s heart.”–Unknown
According to the U.S. Census, there are about 72 million fathers in America, and 29 million of these fathers are grandfathers. There are more than two million single dads in our nation. And, Father’s Day is for all of the stepfathers, who are raising another man’s child as their own, or the grandfathers who are raising their children’s children as their own or the sports’ coaches who are role models, or the uncles who become father figures, or father figures around our nation who share their wisdom, and character, by being themselves.
“You see, daddies don’t just love their children every now and then, it’s a love without end. Amen.” –George Strait, “Love Without End, Amen”
Their Favorite Things
Father’s Day is about 10 days away, and there’s still time to plan an excellent day for your father figure. There are many ideas to spring from, and to find something meaningful to give to that special person. Here is a sampling of some of these doable ideas: Take him shopping at a sporting goods store; find him that perfect electronic gadget he’s been looking at; bring him to a gardening center nearby, and let him pick out his favorite plants / flowers / vegetables / trees to plant in the garden; try on a new hat or shirt at a store locally, selling men’s clothing; take him to dinner or give him a surprise barbecue, where he doesn’t do the cooking; plan a road trip for the family, and visit some of his favorite spots; let him watch some sports on the TV, without bugging him about it; make him a homemade card or gift; get out the bait, fishing pole, and beer cooler, and go fishing for the day; enjoy some craft beers locally; buy him a round of golf; get the latest in cool gaming gear; leave him alone to play in his garage for the day; go camping at his favorite spot for the weekend, or cook him some good wings, or tacos.
“A father carries pictures where his money used to be.”–Steve Martin
And, speaking of lasting memories, and gifts for all ages…there are some things that all father figures can use for the rest of their lives. Think of the following: an emergency radio, a Leatherman multi-tool, power tools, washing their car or truck, playing games, or spending time with them, if they are not at home. Shopping locally, you can get inspired by asking some of the old-timers, what really gives you that happy spirit? And, if you have lost your father figure, spend some time on Father’s Day reminiscing, remembering the special parts of that person, and why we are the people we are, with them in mind. Perhaps, you’ll feel like so many others, who say inside themselves, “I miss you, pops, and your guidance will stay with me through all my days.”–CAR
¡Enhorabuena!