Remembering fathers in a special way

Kerry-Ann Kerr

Contributor

FATHER’S DAY is celebrated annually all over the world. Whether your father is alive or has passed, he is still remembered in more ways than one. Today, let’s remember our fathers in a special way.

A father’s words can be powerful. These words can impact children’s mental state, thus affecting their future. “Be careful with your words. Once they are said, they can only be forgiven, not forgotten” (Unknown). Therefore, we applaud all fathers and father figures whose words have resonated well with children. Commendations to those paternal figures who have been positive role models for our children.

Likewise, we give admiration to fathers who use uplifting words with our children. Proverbs 15:1 reminds us that, "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." We also highlight fathers who are present in their children’s lives and despite the odds, they are the central force at home.

This Father’s Day, let us learn from some sentiments expressed by renowned individuals about their fathers as referenced from the social media platform.

1. “I never really knew my own father.”– Barack Obama

2. “The moment I forgave my father something shifted; not just from 30 people in the audience to 30,000, but in my life. It came through by really, truly understanding what he had been through.” – Tyler Perry

3. “My dad was so innovative and so easy to work with. He is the most loving and caring dad.” – Serena Williams

4. “My father was outspoken. He was against white and black domination. He believed that people have the innate right to live freely and independently as human beings in this world. My father was very strict, a disciplinarian [and] he believed very much in education which was hammered in our heads. My father was authentic, he knew who he was. He was true to himself until he closed his eyes. He could not be bought or sold anywhere. He taught about forgiveness.” – Makaziwe Mandela (Nelson Mandela’s daughter).

5. “My father was my biggest supporter. He told me that every morning before you go to school I want you to read that paper [you wrote]; ‘I want to be on TV’ and every night before you go to bed, I want you to read that paper. If you turn your TV on five days a week … it's all because my father believed in me.” – Steve Harvey

6. “One time I tried to call him dad and he said, “No.” He said, “I’m Joseph.” So he tells you one time and you don’t do it again.” – Janet Jackson

7. “I really don’t know my father 100 per cent. He was a drunk person. I never spoke with him in a normal conversation. It was hard. He treated me unbelievable. I was like the diamond in the family.” – Cristiano Ronaldo

8. “My dad got a raw deal when he was a very young man because he happened to witness the murder of his father in a fight. He was broken by that experience. My dad had great artistic desires. He wanted to write. But life did not deal him the cards to go off and pursue it.” – Tom Hanks

9. “My mom was my mom and dad. I didn’t know my dad until I was 13.” – Orville 'Shaggy' Burrell

10. “My dad was an on-time person. He was tough on me but he always wanted what was best for me. He always supported me. He was kind. He was always willing to help.” – Usain Bolt

11. “Dad, when you were with us you always had a way to make us laugh. You lived a great wonderful life – being a wonderful example of the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Nadine Blair

12. “When our father passed on he never had a will. He had a trust. The Government in Jamaica wanted to sell all his rights. We as children we were always getting ready to go to school. We had no money. Everything was frozen. All we had was our father’s rights, likeness, and his music and we did not sell that.” – Rohan Marley (Bob Marley’s son)

What would your father have said or done to stir your emotions?

Fathers! The next generation needs a legacy to be proud of. Continue to make your mark and shine as a dad extraordinaire!

Let’s celebrate fathers who are:

• God fearing.

• Caring, patient and approachable.

• Strong leaders serving with integrity.

• Advocates for children’s welfare.

• Role models in building healthy relationships.

• Moral compasses for children’s holistic development.

This Father’s Day, PLEASE endeavour to leave your footprints of hope in the society, as we are depending on you. Happy Father’s Day!

Kerry-Ann Kerr is an educator and author. loxinek@hotmail.com