Honouring the fathers in our lives

TODAY, on Fathers Day, we honour the bond between fathers and children.

Fathers Day tends not to be as prominent as Mothers Day, and that’s probably because for a long time, Dad was the distant breadwinner who didn’t have much to do with his children.

But fathers nowadays are more aware of the importance of being present in their children’s lives, of the influence they have over them and of how kids benefit from a having a father figure around as they grow up.

As they say, “Bapak borek, anak rintik (like father, like child)”.

So today is not only a day to remember the head of a home and a breadwinner – that could very well be a mother – but also the guy who’s the most important man in a daughter’s or son’s life, who is always there for skinned knees, broken hearts and hurt pride; who will be steadfastly proud of everything his children do.

It is a day to pause our busy and hectic schedules to reflect on how much our fathers have done for us.

It’s not an easy task, being a father, having to bear the heavy responsibiliy of moulding a little person and seeing him/her into adulthood. It’s a lifetime commitment.

Of course, not all fathers are the same. They come with different qualities and daddy skills.

Some are great teachers, imparting a sense of adventure and exploration; some are great supporters of any dream their child has; some make wonderful role models as husbands, friends, employees, siblings.

But all of them have the same need: to love and protect their families.

So let us all take a moment to celebrate the man who helped make us, and who is, for many, the central pillar of our lives.

Happy Fathers Day!