Greetings,

This Sunday (5 September) is the day that we celebrate Father’s Day, so for those Dads among us I should probably say Happy Father’s Day!  This is a day that can be marked in different ways, but it is often one where families get together, say ‘thanks’, spoil Dad and make him feel special.

This year it is hard for many of us to get together but there are still ways we can connect to make Dad (and in fact anyone important to us) feel special – a phone call, a text, a zoom chat, or a small delivered gift.  When looking at ways we can celebrate in lockdown I was impressed by one idea that I read.  It involved planting a sapling or seeds together as a family and watching them grow.  The idea behind it is that as they grow, while you tend them together, you will also tend your conversations and relationships.  I love this idea … especially if it’s a native plant!

Of course Father’s Day is not a great day for everyone and there can be many reasons why – the grief over never becoming a Father or of much loved Fathers who are no longer with us, or the difficult relationships some have with their own Father.  It is important to acknowledge these experiences and feelings if they are real for you.  So for me Father’s Day is not only about my Dad, but also about being thankful for the other men who have been positive role models in my life.

This is one of my favourite photos of my Dad – leaning on an outback fence – taken back in October 2014.  I am so fortunate to have been blessed with a great Dad.  He’s always been supportive, encouraging, and caring of others.  I grew up watching him put the needs of his family first and instilling in my sister and I the belief that we could do anything.  He taught us that God loved us, and creation, through his words and actions!  

Blessings – Heather.