Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there! Big props to all of the dads who protect, nurture and love their families.
Just in case you’re wondering, the London Telegraph has a nice article on when and why Father’s Day was created. Amazing – it wasn’t created by Hallmark!
While I was not close to my birth father, my step-father was so very kind to me. Dad married my mother when I was a young adult and boy did he EVER take on a handful! I can only imagine how many times he sat and shook his head over my younger sibling and me.
He treated me like a daughter and through him, I have an amazing sibling and blended family whom I love very much. When we are together, we always talk about dad and his funny quirks – he was a lean, mean napping machine – and when he was awake, he was ALWAYS involved in some project.
I remember asking dad to show me how to build a shelf for my living room. He was in the middle of something and was aggravated that he needed to stop and help me. He told me in no uncertain terms that if I were married, he wouldn’t have to stop and show me how to make the shelf (meaning that my invisible husband would know how to do such things – snort). I shot right back and said that most likely he would be showing both of us how to make the shelf. He grinned – and agreed with me.
Dad nurtured in his own way. He loved my mother – and the best thing a man can do for his children – natural or otherwise – is to love their mother. When they got married, he gladly took on the whole mess of us and as I look back, he cared very deeply for his family.
His wisdom, sense of humor and kindness pops into my head quite often and I get the giggles thinking about some of the goofy stuff that we did together. Not long after he died, I received a stuffed bear made from one of his shirts and my “dad bear” sits in my living space to remind me of those sweet memories.
It’s only been in recent times that we as a society have allowed men to nurture as well as protect their families. We teach our little boys not to cry, to be tough, be strong and in the process of doing that, I believe we send the wrong message. We teach children that they have to behave a certain way in order to fit in which is sad when you think about it.
I’m grateful for the role – and the void – that my step-father filled in my life. I’m most grateful for the blended family I have with my sibling and the many happy memories that I have with dad.
If you are looking for a gift with essential oils for dad, here is a aftershave blend:
Soft n’ Tough Aftershave for Dad
- 12 drops Cedarwood
- 6 drops Pine
- 6 drops Tea Tree
- 12 drops Sweet Orange
- 1/2 tsp Vegetable Glycerin
- 1 ounce Witch Hazel
Combine ingredients in a 1 ounce glass spray bottle with a fine mist closure, shake well before each use. I make this blend for $16.99 plus shipping of $3.95 and of course, it’s an awesome scent for dad all year round!
Some good – and useful – gift ideas for dad (or husband/significant other): if he has headaches, try Headache Ease Aromatherapy Rollerball. A cold mist diffuser is awesome if dad has sinus problems or even SinusRight personal nasal inhaler.
I wish for you on Father’s Day to have sweet memories and kind thoughts if your father has passed on and an awesome relationship if he is still alive. Thank you for stopping by – I’m blessed to have each of you in my life.
Blessings,
Melissa