I have always considered my dad my hero.
No, he doesn’t have a cape or saves the world from impending doom.
He does things that are much, as my 7-year-old would probably say, cooler than someone having to hide their true identity from the rest of the world.
He was, still is, and will always be present in my life.
He had always attended all of my school events and functions. He may not always know all the answers, but he did his best to help me figure things out. From teaching me how to ride a bike, to teaching me how to drive a car, he was there. When I lived on my own, he would never miss a day to message or call me and ask me how I’m doing.
I never needed someone to save the world to be seen as my hero because the hero I was blessed to have is more than I could ever ask for.
On Father’s Day, June 19, and many days throughout each year, our dads should feel like the heroes they are and deserve to be.
And we should do our best to have many moments with them.
A Bit of Father's Day History
The most credited individual to have initiated Father’s Day is Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington. Dodd and her five siblings were raised by their father after their mother passed away from childbirth. In 1909, while listening to a sermon on Mother’s Day, which was on its way to becoming an official holiday at the time, Dodd came to the idea of not only recognizing mothers but fathers as well.
The first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, which is supposedly the month of Dodd’s father’s birthday. President Calvin Coolidge and President Lyndon B. Johnson both provided their support for the holiday, with the latter issuing a proclamation that recognized the day. It wasn’t until 1972 that President Richard Nixon officially established the third Sunday of June as Father’s Day.
In modern-day, Father’s Day is celebrated every third Sunday of June in most countries, including the United States. In other countries, such as Europe and Latin America, “fathers are honored on St. Joseph’s Day, a traditional Catholic holiday that falls on March 19.” Both holidays honor all fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and anyone assuming the parenting role.
“Some observe the custom of wearing a red rose to indicate that one’s father is living or a white rose to indicate that he is deceased.”
SOURCES: Britannica, History
Memorable Activities to do with/for our dads
- Have dad teach something they're skilled with or passionate about
- Visit a Planetarium
- Make dad a scrapbook
- Video chat with long distance relatives
- Attend a sporting event together
- Spend the day at an animal farm or shelter
- Go for an early morning walk
- Spa day
- Put together a Father's Day playlist
- Take a class to learn or improve on a skill together
- Attend a live music concert or show
- Take dad on a mystery adventure
- Listen to dad tell stories about their childhood
- DIY a memory box
- Rent dad's dream car for a day
- Work on a DIY project together
- Shopping spree
- Bring dad to a part of the city they've never been to before
- Laughingly cringe over dad jokes
- Gift dad something they've always been wanting to have
- Father's Day themed movie marathon
- Go on a weekend camping trip
- Have fun at a water park
- Have a cookout
- Do something that dad has always been wanting to do
- Beach day
- Challenge dad to their favorite sport
- Write dad a heartfelt letter
- Go on a hike together
- Have a Father's Day themed photoshoot
- Adopt and gift dad their desired pet
- Serve dad their favorite all-time dishes
- Help dad wash the car
- Give dad time to themselves
- Experience the thrill at an amusement park
- Recreate a memory dad has shared before
- Have a mini vacation to dad's hometown or dream destination
- Go on a dessert tasting adventure
- Explore the outdoors while bike riding
- Give dad a big bear hug and/or sincerely tell them "Thank you" and "I love you"
A Father's Day Itinerary
My ideal day with dad, and the family, on Father’s Day would go a little something like this:
THE WEEK (OR DAY/NIGHT) BEFORE
- Go ingredient shopping for meals to cook.
- Purchase any event tickets you plan on attending.
- Write a letter to dad.
FATHER’S DAY
- Have dad sleep in, cook him breakfast.
- Let dad know the family is taking him on a mystery adventure, and advise him on a proper first attire (secretly pack other attires, if needed).
- When he’s done eating, surprise dad with a new pet puppy or something else he has always wanted.
- First stop is at the car rental as we reserved dad’s dream car and will be using it for the rest of the day.
- Converse with jokes in the car as we drive to all the destinations.
- Have a family photoshoot at the beach.
- Surprise dad with tickets to a basketball game.
- Lunch at a restaurant with dad’s favorite dishes.
- Go on a dessert tasting adventure.
- Do an activity that dad’s always been wanting to do.
- Head home to start preparing for a family cookout.
- While preparing, give dad the letter and give him time to himself.
- Cookout.
- Eat dinner while actively listening to dad share more stories about his youth.
- Enjoy more dessert while watching some Father’s Day themed movies.
- Close out the night by recreating a memory (or two) that dad had shared before.
- Before heading to bed, give dad a big bear hug with a sincere ‘thank you’ and ‘I love you’.
A Long-Distance Father's Day Itinerary
- Send a gift basket of dad’s favorite sweets and needed items to be delivered in the morning.
- Video chat with dad.
- Let dad know about his reserved ticket for a sporting event.
- Order lunch and/or dinner takeout from her favorite restaurant.
To all the fathers in the world,
Thank you. You are a best friend, protector, and the hero many of us are grateful to have in our lives.
Happy Father’s Day
Let's chat!
How will you be celebrating this upcoming Father’s Day?
