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Father Figure Day

June 9, 2026

 

Father’s Day is North America’s acknowledgment of our blood-line fathers.

It’s the acknowledgement of everything that the term Father can presume: leadership qualities, an all around ‘knowing’ of what’s best for others, a figurehead in our patriarchal society, the head of the family, an anchor in society, an authority commanding respect.

But for many, Father’s Day is not a happy day. There are so many families that have been disconnected from their birth father due to accidents, illness, work-related separation, and divorce.

I recall a story from way-way back; a historical fiction of sorts. It was about a new settlement in the west and the hardships that people dealt with at that time.

The Pastor of the frontier church was also acting mayor, and made sure everyone gathered at the church on Sunday mornings.  One day after church, the Pastor was mingling with the children and asked a boy standing apart from the others, “Who’s your father, son?” The child hung his head in sorrow and replied; “I don’t have a father.”

The Pastor sat down to speak with the boy gently. His words went something like this:

“That’s not true. Your physical father may not be with you, yet there is still so much to learn. God, our Father, is a father to all. Don’t forget this.
HE will send you exactly what you need to grow and learn.
Life experience will show you where to go.
There are many Father Figures that can help you be the person you need to be. “

The story continued as this young boy found a father-figure in the Pastor, and found himself. He grew into a strong, passionate, community leader, the type we used to see in the past. He developed the local council, built on the Pastor’s foundation, and became a strong force for the growing town, laying the groundwork for a prosperous new world.

Father-figures can be overshadowed on Fathers Day, but they shouldn’t be.
Both of my children have experienced wonderful examples of Step Parenting in our extended family. This is a highly valued talent/skill in a blended family.

In this modern-age world, many young people are feeling lost, broken and unfulfilled, forlorn and alone without purpose.

For all the fathers and father-figures out there; the Step-fathers, Grandfathers, Team Leaders, Store Keepers, Pastors, as well as Mothers and grandmothers:
We are all in charge of influencing our next generation to BE kind, compassionate, considerate, respectful and forward thinking.

Teach others by example. A kind word. A bit of encouragement. Respect others.

Let’s ALL step up to the plate.

HAPPY FATHER FIGURE DAY!

• Kathryn

 

Would you like to chat further with Kathryn? No charge. No Pressure.
Practical Solutions for Stress-free Living.

https://calendly.com/kathryn-99/let-s-connect/

 

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