OP-ED: Remembering Fathers

Today is Father’s Day, a day that has traditionally been given short shrift compared to Mother’s Day and a number of other secular and patriotic holidays like Thanksgiving Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day and Memorial Day. 

An AI-generated image of a Jewish father with his childen. (Image via ChatGPT)

But true to their nature, fathers have traditionally taken it on the chin in so many situations. They are almost always willing to sacrifice some of their well being and comfort for the benefit of their families. It’s true. And, sometimes, we take them for granted.

In the rough and tumble business world, it is fathers who are always plotting to see that they succeed and provide for their families. In many cases, fathers are expected to work late or stay away from home due to the vicissitudes of their jobs, while many mothers are expected to take charge of the home front and safeguard the children. Both jobs are important, but fathers make it possible for mothers to do theirs without additional worry.

We also need to acknowledge that were it not for the industry and care of our grandfathers, most of us would be in much worse places than we find ourselves today. 

So, if you haven’t done so already, pick up the phone and call dad or, if you are still lucky to have them, your grandfathers. Or maybe use Facetime to chat with one another.

One day they may not be here for you and the deeper meaning of Father’s Day will, if you excuse the pun, become apparent to you.