Father’s Day, the less celebrated counterpart to Mother’s Day celebrated on the third Sunday in June, not established nationally until 1972, almost fifty years after it’s initial recognition. The day most of us, and I’m guilty as well, say “Hey dad, thanks for being my dad” and go on about our day. There are no fancy brunches, no bouquets of flowers, and no huge family gatherings like on Mother’s Day. Most fathers wouldn’t want any of this anyway.
As a new father, just knowing that my son is happy and healthy is enough of a Father’s Day gift for me.
June 19, 2016 will be my first Father’s Day, and I must say that I am secretly looking forward to it. I mean, it’s another day that celebrates my contribution to the world and It’s basically a day that I am able to choose the agenda. As I write this, my wife is returning home from NYC for her first weekend away from our son. That in turn left me to care for our 9-month-old son. Of course, I didn’t do this alone, I called in reinforcements… my mother. Still, I gained a new perspective and was able to bond even more with my son. There is a love and a connection that I never knew existed until the last few months.
People can tell you about it but until you experience it for yourself, you will never understand. I have happily transitioned from dinner at trendy Austin restaurants to 5 PM dinners at the local establishments to be home for bed time, from late night drinks with friends to rising before the sun to see him at his happiest, and from having my wife and best friend to myself to sharing her with someone that depends on her to live. I would do it 1000 times over in a heartbeat.
Having a son has made me examine my relationship with my father. Growing up, my father worked his hardest to ensure my brother and I have the best life possible. He made sure that we were happy. We now live about five hours apart so we don’t see each other as much as we would like. We used to talk a couple of times a month, but now I make it a priority to call him weekly or more. I am much more appreciative of my father and make every effort I can to let him know that. I have my son to thank for that.
— Preston Taylor
