The day was fast approaching and I knew the girls wanted to celebrate me, to have me relax. But there is still so much on the to do list. The way I was raised, being a good father was to work, work and work; to make sure all the bills are paid, food is on the table and all the essentials to survival was looked after. As I tried to get as much done as possible in bring the rental renovations to completion I found myself starring blindly at my task. I was so tired I couldn’t think.
I knew deep in my heart, working and providing was not enough to being a good father. There is so much more to being a father: to always be present and available, to catch sons and daughters should they fall, to offer emotional support, teaching, recreation, functional skills, mental stimulation by way of creativity and imagination, play, and enjoyment of life. What is the point of existing if there is no enjoyment?
That moment of disembodiment along with the conflicted trail rides over past weeks got me to realize, Father’s Day is not about celebrating me, the father, but a day to remind me, the father to be a good father in every way a father ought to be. It was not just to dwell on financial stability and hail the importance of material wealth. There are so many aspects of life stability and wealth that I have missed out on growing up. The way I was raised left me with a poor relationship with my dad. He worked so much, I saw him less than 5 hours a week despite living under the same roof; that is not how I want to raise my girls. I have learnt there are many values money cannot buy; I need to celebrate these other values. Should this be my last week of life I would want to ensure my girls have the finances they need to thrive. They have enough of it. Should this be my last week of life I need then to maximize the fond memories my girls have of me, of our family.
The other important question I asked myself, in my mental debate between the lower middle and upper brains, like the 3 little pigs juggling the balance between how much to play and how much to worry and work, what would I do if it were my girls’ last week of life? I would spend every second with them doing whatever they wanted. So on Father’s Day I dedicated myself to being a better father and celebrated my family.
- I worked on my health and fitness, and went for mountain bike ride up our mountain loop. My fitness was so bad I threw up several times when I reached the top. Another exclamation to the need to work on my health and fitness for better long term care of the family, of my girls.
- I made a cheese omelet and sausage breakfast for the girls.
- I told the girls they have 100% of my time to do whatever they want.
- I went for a hike with my girls to their favourite river spot.
- I rode bare back with the girls and then saddled up to ride up the mountain.
- I watched a movie with the girls.
- I cuddle the youngest to sleep.
- I had a great day!
Rough Canyon Ranch 