Our Fatherless Father’s Day

The tools, ties and socks catalogues start rolling in way too soon for those of us who will have no father or child to be with this Father’s Day.

But the spiritual presence of Dad can still be celebrated for the rock, guide and mentor he was – the man who made us feel safe and protected.

For whatever reason we are ‘fatherless’ the grief can be overwhelming on this day.

For those of us without fathers or children this Father’s Day there may be other ways to honour the role Dad played in our lives.

Look for all the Dads in your life and celebrate them.

Your Dad may be there in other men and role models. A colleague or manager may be there watching your back and shining a light on your strengths. A neighbour, an uncle, a grandfather, a friend, may all play a part in being dads for you. You could give them a gift on Father’s Day and recognise for yourself how you are still protected, guided and cared for.

Celebrate with others who don’t have their Dads with them.

Have a Father’s Day get together where everyone without their Dad can gather to do what dads do. It may be watching or playing sport, listening to music or having a BBQ and sharing memories or cracking Dad jokes with friends!

Do something that would impress him and make him proud.

Dads set standards for us to live up to. To give more, work more, play more. We learn those lessons as we grow up. It can feel like he is there with you when you do something in honour of those lessons. Acknowledge the strength you have within yourself to achieve what you set out to do.

Care for yourself.

How did your dad care for you? Was it a big cuddle at night before bed? Was it spending time together listening to music or watching a favourite movie? Was it financial advice?...a great time to get your tax done! Was it taking you to your sporting or special events?...

Take care of yourself and do things to remember him on this day.

Whatever you need to do to ease the pain of this day without your dad, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for support and find the dad within yourself and others.

At Tobin Brothers, we wish you all the love and support you need this Father’s Day.

Written by Samantha Rennie - Community Education Manager, Tobin Brothers Funerals