Would a Father’s Day Smiley say it all? 

Sons and daughters, and wives too, who would want to show fathers and husbands how well they are thought about by the rest of the family would consider a hand-drawn Father’s Day Smiley, like the ones found in zaazu.com, decorating their carefully-written love notes for Dads this year.  It is unique and simple non-verbal approach (on occasions when words aren’t enough); does not cost anything yet very powerful in conveying a son’s or a daughter’s innermost appreciation for all that Dad has done.  As the lyrics of a popular song go “you say it best when you say nothing at all”.      

Father’s Day is celebrated annually on the 3^rd Sunday of June, and this year has June 15 on “red” in most family calendars.  Who would ever forget “Daddy”?

Called by many other names in different languages, “Daddy”, “Papa” or “Abba” stands for the same man who tucks his children to bed at night, reads them stories, teaches them their first bike ride, plays ball with them, or simply one who sets the curfew hour at six.  He may not be the same guy for every family in the neighborhood, as even heroes do not come from the same mold, but the mere mention of his name sends back to most children’s minds, flurry of warm images of home:  of warmth and acceptance, of security and trust.  Regardless of how some Fathers turned out to be, most remain as their daughters’ heroes and their sons’ best friends.

A Daughter’s Love

How did Father’s Day come to be?  Unknown to many, Father’s Day idea was hatched on Mother’s Day in 1909.  While listening to a sermon about how special mothers were, one daughter in the crowd thought about, not her mother, but her father who dutifully raised all six of them in a tiny farm house.  His name was William Smart, a veteran of the Civil War and a young widower.

Sonora Dodd, his daughter, thought that a Father’s Day Celebration was fitting tribute to William, and raised the idea successfully that on June 19, 1910, Father’s Day was celebrated for the first time. 

But it was not until 1966 when Father’s Day was proclaimed officially every 3^rd Sunday of June by then US President Lyndon Johnson.  This was followed by Pres. Nixon, 6 years later, when he signed into law making the annual celebration of Father’s Day permanent.  Why June?  It was William Smart’s birth month.

Remembering Daddy

Father’s Day gifts come in various shapes and sizes.  Aside from an email with a Father’s Day Smiley, here’s a list of Ten (10) popular gifts for fathers on their special day that your piggy-bank savings can afford:

 

1. Necktie
2. Handkerchief
3. A shirt
4. Men’s Cologne
5. Socks
6. Pen
7. Ticket to his favorite sports game
8. Picture Frame
9. Towel in his favorite color
10. Pair of slippers

 

The list can go on and on, but more importantly, deliver your gift with love.  Most fathers would agree that more than anything else in this world, their most cherished gift is their children’s affection.  It is when fathers feel their children adoring them they get the euphoric feeling that despite the flaws they may have had, they were able to accomplish something far greater than themselves – win their children’s love and respect.  No Father’s Day gift can surely top that.