I discovered on history.com that the nation’s first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in the state of Washington. Yet we learn that Father’s Day was not recognized until 1972, 58 years after President Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day official – that’s when the day honoring fathers became a nationwide holiday in the United States. Father’s Day this year occurs on Sunday, June 17 and for each of us who have a father, father figure or a male hero/superhero, it’s a great day to celebrate their participation in our lives.
I love Father’s Day because it gives us an opportunity to ponder what we love about our fathers and how being a father is a life-making experience. Maybe you called dad pop, daddy, papa, pops, abba, or father, but one thing’s for sure: These men, our heroes, are special. Hopefully, you have a slew of fond memories of dad that live in your heart. What were your father’s greatest talents? Was he your superhero? Did he ignite your imagination?
I thought long and hard about what this month’s feature article would highlight and realized we each have our own stories. Most of us have or had a father or father figure who’s impacted the course of your live.
I’m inviting you to share your 200-word story and send it to me at: sterlingspin@gmail.com. I’ll select one or two for publication next month in the Happy Herald. In the interim, here are a few prompts that come from journalbuddies.com to activate your creativity and stimulate your memories:
If my dad were a superhero, his power would be….
When I think of my dad, I think of….
My dad always tells the story of the time when….
I’ll always remember that my dad….
On Father’s Day, I want my dad to know….
The most important lesson my dad ever taught me….
