Father's Day
Well, it's Father's Day this morning. Honestly, I'm conflicted. You see, we have 2 wonderful (adult) children. They call me "dad", and we celebrate Father's Day. Yet, I'm a woman.
If I know my wife, she will try hard to make sure the day is special for me. She is a sweetie that way. She wants me to know I'm important to her, and to our children.
But, as I said, I'm conflicted. I don't know if being called "dad" is right. I don't honestly think being called "mom" is right. I didn't birth them and I know our kids wouldn't be comfortable with that anyway. I'm honestly not sure I'd be comfortable being called "mom", either. For that matter, to me, Mother's day has always been a day to honor their mom, my wife. She's an awesome mom. She earned it. I'm not trying to replace her in any way, nor even horn in just a bit on her motherhood. I don't want to do that at all. I don't believe that "mom" is the right word for me.
I've always been their dad, and I love them madly. I very much like being their parent, and I like that when they need someone to talk to, they often turn to me. Though I am not the sort of person who does "typical dad things", I have always tried hard to be there for them, and I intend to always be there for them. But at the same time, "dad" and Father's Day don't seem to be quite right either. Father's Day evokes masculine images, and so does the word dad, and I'm not the least bit masculine. I don't dislike the day. But it seems odd, I guess.
Risk
I am also aware that there is risk inherent in someone like me being called "dad" publicly. That risk is not just mine, but theirs also, because anger transfers very easily, and also because our kids are strong young women who would speak up if someone was acting stupidly. There are a lot of ignorant people out there, who react with anger toward whoever is different from them. This means that calling me "dad" publicly could be dangerous for our children as well.
Maybe there needs to be a day called Goofy Person's Day. There is a Transgender Parent's Day. I'm not sure how our kids would feel about that. They might be more willing to celebrate Goofy Person's Day.
Bottom line? I'm thrilled and honored to be their parent. Though I'm not sure Father's Day is the right day, I don't so much care what they call me. I for sure am blessed to have them in my life!
Happy Goofy Person's Day!
Maybe there needs to be a day called Goofy Person's Day. There is a Transgender Parent's Day. I'm not sure how our kids would feel about that. They might be more willing to celebrate Goofy Person's Day.
Bottom line? I'm thrilled and honored to be their parent. Though I'm not sure Father's Day is the right day, I don't so much care what they call me. I for sure am blessed to have them in my life!
Happy Goofy Person's Day!
