Most of us are very much aware that there are lots of single parents out there. And when we say "single parent", we often think of "single mom"--in most cases, a woman left with her child by a man, who promised her eternal love, utmost care and protection and yet, failed to do so. We admire those "single moms" for doing their very best, 24/7, just to be able to raise their kid/s well and provide them a better future. They are the mothers who are capable of being a father, too. Salute to you, supermoms!
But this is not the scenario all the time. There are women who choose to leave their man alone with their kid/s, for whatever reason. "Single parent" here becomes "single dad", and we seldom hear stories about them...their struggles, sacrifices, and the unusual experiences they face everyday to be both the father and mother of their child/children.
In this regard, allow me take this opportunity to share to you a true story about a man who suddenly became a "single parent" just after an unfortunate event in his life.
James (not his real name) is an Asian father of two girls and a good husband to his wife. However, they are far from being rich. Being a carpenter, James income is not enough for their everyday expenses. One day, James had a stroke. And affecting one side of his body, he could not walk and talk properly, he could no longer work. Soon enough, his wife left...leaving to him their two children despite his medical condition.
As a responsible father, James forced himself to work just so he can provide for her two daughters. He tried whatever available job he could find. He feels very bad, not for himself but for his kids because they could no longer go to school. For months, James was striving hard for them to survive. Little did his kids know that James is still trying to save at least a little from his unstable income every month so he can bring his children to a fastfood restaurant once a month. For him, this is the least he could do to make her daughters happy and feel special in spite of their situation. Every time they go to a fastfood restaurant, James buy meals for his children but not for himself...because that's all he can afford. He is contented just to see her daughters enjoying their meals.
This only proves that a real responsible and loving father will do anything for his children, whether he has a medical condition or not. That just like "single moms", there are also "single dads" out there willing to sacrifice everything just to provide for their daughters/sons. Many men out there deserve to be called "superdads" as well.
Four days from now, Father's Day will be celebrated. I hope that this day will not be taken for granted by us children. A simple "thank you" for their efforts as a father will mean a lot to them. Make them feel special not only this coming Father's Day, but as much as possible, each day...while we still have them.
Do you have any plans in mind on how to celebrate this year's Father's Day? Whether it's a simple or an extravagant one, please feel free to share it to us. Who knows? You're idea might give a huge impact to others.
Thank you for reading my first blog. I hope you learned something from it and somehow touched your soul.
Have a peaceful day ahead. :)
*credits to https://weddingjournalonline.com, http://www.stunningthings.com, http://www.boredpanda.com (Sofia), and Snezhana Soosh for the photos and illustrations
