Male parents don’t always get the attention on Father’s Day that mothers get on theirs. Nevertheless, many children, young and grown, who know and love their fathers acknowledge them with a card, a gift, a phone call or a visit. And those of us whose dads are no longer alive simply acknowledge them in pleasant memories.
It used to be traditional for men to hand out cigars following the birth of their baby, but considering today’s anti-smoking campaigns and the extenuating circumstances under which some children are born, I don’t think the celebratory cigar is handed out anymore. Still, expectant fathers eagerly anticipate their child’s birth and claim bragging rights. They take pride in showing off their newborn and anticipate the day when that smiling child looks up at him and says “Happy Father’s Day, daddy.”
Unfortunately, not all men who call themselves father earn that right.