Celebrating Father’s Day.

Fathers get a bad rep. Maybe it’s because those who fumble the job are more popular. They have done such a good job that it seems like they are the only ones who exist. And so, it is assumed that they are the majority. Hence, every Father’s Day, the scars and pain they cause rear their ugly head.

Nonetheless, there are plenty of good fathers. The kind that are worth celebrating. Sadly, they don’t advertise themselves, and they aren’t celebrated loudly enough. Yet they have inspired movies, songs and books. Fathers who would go to the end of the world to be with and protect their kids. Today, these are the kinds of fathers we are celebrating. Happy Father’s Day to:

Present Fathers.

These men learned they would be fathers and did not run away. They didn’t skip town or deny their responsibilities. They stayed through it all: the child’s birth, the rearing, the sleepless nights and the midnight rush to the ER.

They stayed through the toddler stage, the teenage years, and adulthood. They were present from the first day of kindergarten and drove you all the way to college while hiding a few tears. Through all seasons, they were there and always marked present.

Involved Dads.

These fathers know every facet of their children’s lives. They are present and involved. They don’t just stand there looking into the unknown, watching space. They roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty. They are the kind that change diapers, feed and soothe their babies to sleep and dress up in costumes to entertain their little ones.

You can leave your children with him and rest assured they will be well cared for. These types of dads attend every parent meeting; they help you with your homework and know all your teachers by name. They know all your hobbies, they want to know who you are dating, and who your colleagues are. They remember every birthday and every important date in their children’s lives.

Supportive Fathers.

These are the dads that say, ‘I have got your back.’ They go out of their way to let their kids know they are there and they have got their back. They will participate in school activities, run that race and win it to show their kids just how much they mean to them.

They provide not only material things but also emotional and psychological. These dads help you solve your problems, offer solutions, provide a listening ear, and become a guide in your life. They cheer the loudest even when you miss the goal, applaud the fiercest in your school play even when you forgot all the lines.

Provider Dads.

They shoulder the responsibilities of their children and ensure they are well-fed, clothed, and educated. They ensure their kids live in a good, clean, and safe house. They will work three jobs and a side hustle to ensure their children have a better life than they had.

Such dads can’t remember the last time they bought themselves a pair of socks, as all their money goes to their children and family. It takes a lot of sacrifice; they secure the bag and then some.

Good Partners.

The man who wins our heart is both an excellent partner and father. These are the types of dads who treat the mother of their children with respect, love and tenderness.

They handle them with a delicacy that all mothers and spouses deserve. They show their sons how to show up as a family man, a good husband, and a good father. Similarly, they teach their daughters what to look for in a partner.

This man kisses his wife good morning and their children all ‘eewww’ in unison. They hold their wives up and let them shine. They bring flowers home, drive them to church, disagree respectfully and carry their fair share of household responsibilities, including actively caring for their children.

Fathers Who Defy Culture to Protect Their Children.

The African culture runs deep. Many tribes still uphold their traditions and norms. Some of which are outdated and detrimental to their children, such as early marriages and FGM. Fathers who go against such traditions to safeguard their children need to be celebrated.

This father does not let his ego get in the way; he does not care what the community thinks; he only cares about his children’s well-being. Fathers who speak against such acts, defend their family against them and stand strongly by their word deserve a thumbs up.

Such dads will not allow their children to be doormats and be walked all over because tradition says so. He will defect from the tribe or religion if he has to, take his family away just to ensure they are safe.

Protective Dad.

The Brian Mills of the world. They will go to the depths of hell to retrieve their children. Dads who teach their children safety, and prepare them to cope with the constant dangers of the world. Protection is also not always extreme; it can take the form of teaching your children how to cook for themselves and providing a safe home for them, too.

These are Dads who will kill cockroaches and spiders when they are horrified themselves. The kind that puts their children’s safety first. They ensure seat belts are strapped on every car ride, teach you not to take sweets from strangers and ‘the kick to the nuts’ technique that comes in handy when you are in real danger.

Dads Who Are Your Genuine Friends.

You are not afraid to tell him anything. You get in trouble, you call Dad. The cops arrest you, you call dad, you run out of money, you call dad. You get good news, and he is the first person you want to call because you know how happy and how proud he will be.

This dad is your friend; he will dance along with your TikTok video even when you think it is nonsensical. He offers a listening ear, laughs at you and secretly judges, but he wouldn’t trade those moments for anything.

Breaker of generational Trauma.

This is the dad that says, ‘It ends with me.’ The abuse he got from his father, he doesn’t pass it along. The hate he experienced, he let it die with him; the poverty and lack, all of it ends with him.

He works hard to shield his children from all that. He shows up differently from his alcoholic father and uncles, to be a better man for his children and his family. He seeks peace and self-contentment, and that’s what he passes down to his children.

The Father Is a Good Leader.

He realizes his family is a unit and its up to him to lead and guide and so he does. He doesn’t rule with an iron fist, saying its is my way or the highway. He listens and factors the children’s wants and needs into his plan. Plus, he is a go-getter with an ambition to scale his family into newer heights. And He is decisive when needed and also knows how to lay down the rules.

The Present Grandfather.

When you were growing up, he wasn’t around much. He was either constantly working, deployed in another country or battling his own demons, and so he couldn’t be there for you as much as you desired or wanted.

His absence did something to you, but he is still in your life. He is sorry for the absence and the time lost; you can see the shame in his eyes. And so he overcompensates, not just with you but also with your children. He shows up; he is present.

He is a dedicated grandfather to your children. Never misses an important date, and your children know him as tender and caring ‘Pops’. The time lost can’t be recovered, but don’t deny your children their grandfather because you choose to hold on to pain.

Also, this is for the fathers who stepped up because the children’s father didn’t. He fathered, and you grew, and now he is doing the same with your daughter and son.

Happy Father’s Day. ♥