Thirteen per cent of Canadian Fathers live in B.C. and in this country there are about nine million dads.
They will be the main subject of attention this Sunday on Father’s Day.
Mother’s Day is more popular than Father’s Day in North America, however, the men will take in the well-deserved accolades this weekend.
It was a woman in the U.S., from Spokane, Wash., who started honouring fathers with a day of recognition.
Did you know that in the last 10 years men are spending more time with their families than in the previous decade, and they don’t become a new father until almost 29 years old?
Back in the day, fathers could count on their kids to join them in the family business.
Today, fathers pray their kids will soon come home from college long enough to teach them how to use a computer.
Fathers occupy a special position in our lives.
My father got me working at 10 years old, and at the time it upset me because I was having to work during summer holidays.
I learned how to work in my dad’s plumbing and heating shop, mostly cleaning and doing grunt work.
I learned a lot about elbows, nipples and joints — all required material in a shop like that.
So, by the time I was 12, my working skills were getting pretty good. I had learned to drive a truck and a tractor and went to work for a farmer during the fall grain harvest in Saskatchewan.
I know the good work ethics I have came from my father and they started young for me.
I was never afraid of working hard or long hours, and that trait I inherited from my father. Thanks Dad.
There are so many fathers who pass along their knowledge, strengths, and even some of their weaknesses.
Mark Twain kind of sums it up: “when I was a boy of 14 my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to 21, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years.”
I have always enjoyed being a father.
When our son lived in B.C. we spent quite a few Father’s Day weekends alone at our cottage fishing, cooking outdoors, eating, laughing and sometimes having a nap during the day because the fishing tired us out and we had to find a couch.
Great times and many fond memories.
I saw a poem that puts together, in fine fashion, the puzzle of really: What Makes a Dad?
God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle’s flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so,
He called it ... Dad
A nice poem put together in a manner that combines the qualities of a father.
Take some time to spend with your dad on Father’s Day.
Bring him over to your home and treat him to his very most favourite barbecue dinner with your family.
If you father lives out of the area take some time to connect with him and tell him: thanks, dad!
I sincerely hope that all fathers have a most enjoyable and memorable day.
Ken Wilson is a freelance columnist with the Tribune/Weekend Advisor.