The loss of a father is a hard thing, and with Father’s Day around the corner, I’ve been thinking about this holiday a lot since losing my father on Mother’s Day this year. Unfortunately, both celebrations of parenthood will be difficult for me now. However, it is essential to remember why these holidays exist and why Father’s Day is such an important thing to celebrate.
We are not all blessed to have our fathers in our lives, but the men in our lives, whether they’re stepdads, uncles, or friends – those who served as a father figures are all an integral part of our development as people.
Father’s Day was created in response to Mother’s Day’s popularity and commercialization. A woman named Sonora Smart Dodd wanted to have an equal day for fathers and crusaded for the holiday. Sonora was one of six children raised by a widower, and thanks to her efforts, Washington State celebrated the nation’s first statewide Father’s Day on June 19, 1910. In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge urged state governments to observe Father’s Day. Finally, in 1972 Richard Nixon signed a proclamation making Father’s Day a federal holiday.
On June 19th, I will think of my father, Kirk Daniels, and be grateful that I could have him in my life. He taught me how to laugh in any situation, how to fish, and to see the beauty in the world around me, but mainly – he taught me to treat everyone equally. He was the funniest and kindest man I’ve ever known. I took for granted the time I had left with him, and I wish we could celebrate Father’s Day together this year so badly. However, my appreciation for him and all fathers will continue, and I urge everyone to spend some time with dad this year. The memories are worth it, I promise.
Teighlor Chaney 