A Place for two

Women fill big shoes there’s no doubt about it. They are mothers, daughters, best friends, wives, and the list goes on. They do it with such love and intensity that we are often in awe of each other. When thrown in the role they’ll try and play dad too so there’s no question about their abilities. I call it understated resilience. I often acknowledge such facts because after all we live in a man’s world and sometimes we don’t get the credit that is due. But I must clear; there is no replacing a father. All children should know the love, adoration, and strength of a father’s love. I believe there is a reason that we have two parents. Of course I’m sensitive to the fact that it’s not the case for everyone. I certainly don’t want to make others have to justify or explain their reality. That’s not the point of this post. Born in a single parent household I’m familiar with the struggles. In fact depending on how your role is defined you could be in a two parent household and still have single parenting roles. However I want to acknowledge the benefits and beauty of having been loved by a father be it your biological father, spiritual father, or miracle inspiration.

The beauty of knowing the love of strong hands gives you a perspective and value on life that has longevity in the spirit of how you live out your own. I liken it to anchor that holds a ship at the harbor. A father’s love is that anchor to a child’s life that keeps the human soul intact against the harsh winds of the world.

Notice I didn’t give a gender to the child. That’s because both boys and girls need that. It does fashion who we are as men and women. The role of a mother is such a fixture in many homes that we forget that a father’s role is primary too. Many times when discussing a life issue it’s clear that the person needed a mom. But then occasionally you hear about a situation and you think this person needed a father; someone to reaffirm who you are giving you confidence.

Read my post from Father’s Day 2011 where I discuss fathers.