Celebrating Fathers Day

With Father's Day approaching, I've been reflecting on my relationship with my own dad, distant memories of both my grandfathers, and the observations I make of my husband in his role as a father to our son.

As a child, I was captivated by my father. To me, he was the embodiment of strength and resilience, a man with a can-do attitude. My dad was unapologetically my hero. I placed him on a pedestal from a young age, and he remained there until I realised he was human, just like me. A poignantly moment that was both painful and freeing.

I had held my dad in such high esteem that when he faltered, it shook my entire belief in what a man could be. Until that moment, my dad seemed invincible, a hero who never wore a cape but always came to my rescue—until he couldn't. The day I realised my dad was human, my world crumbled. In that instant, he became just like the rest of us, and I understood that he needed me as much as I needed him. We were one.

My dad has made many mistakes, yet he's never stopped loving me. I am a testament to his unconditional love, and my strength is drawn from him, even when he had none left for himself. My dad has stumbled many times, and while forgiving him might be difficult if he were anyone else, because he's my dad, life goes on and our relationship emerged from the wreckage.

As a daughter, I forgive my dad more easily than I would anyone else. There’s a special bond unique to the father-daughter relationship, an unspoken agreement and a friendship known only to us. I see my son and husband forming the same bond. I call it "men's business," but truly, it's "father's business," a relationship with their child unlike any other.

I recognize that not every child has a dependable father figure, and that male role models can be found in various situations. As a traditionalist, I believe there is value in identifying someone who embodies strength, courage, power, and resilience—the many aspects of masculinity that provide the support we seek.

In a world where you can "be anything," today we celebrate the unique role of a father and pay homage to the men in our lives who lift us up so that we can stand on the shoulders of giants. Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there. Remember, only wise men 'do' Pilates.