Our Fathers

They played this clip in church this morning:

There weren’t many dry eyes after that.  It got me thinking too.

I thought about my own father, who was in many ways my first hero and my other Father who art in heaven –  who, in spite of my doubts, fears and failures has stood by and at times has had to carry me through the storms of my life.  I remembered the many father figures who have walked through my life – among them cousins, godfathers and uncles who indulged me when I was a kid and took me to school on my first day,  showed me there was such a thing as the  BBC World Service on the short wave radio where I could listen to live broadcasts of the English 1st Division football matches.

Then there were those who introduced me to my first LP records and CCR, Bee Gees, Beatles, Dawn and so many more, from where there has been no return!  Later, came the teachers, formators and youth leaders, who taught me how to lead by word and deed.  When I moved away from home, in stepped neighbours and total strangers into my life at different times for different reasons, to keep me company so that for a little while at least, I would  be alone but not lonely.  Much later, as a young man searching for direction and meaning, I remembered the many seminarians, religious and priests, who let me into their world; who were patient with my questions and grumblings.  Among them,  a select few became close confidants and fellow travellers who encouraged and inspired me like I’ve never been inspired before.

It suddenly dawned on me how much I had a lot to be thankful for to all of these people.  And now that circle has come round – I am a father, and I too have a responsibility to my own son.  It’s to all these persons, past and present, far and near I have to look to. If I could just take a little bit from all the experiences from each of my “fathers” – and pass them on to my son – I think it would have been all worthwhile after all, which would make the following sobering thought from Charles Wadworth, a little more acceptable:

“By the time a man realizes that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he’s wrong!” 

Thank you all you fathers – who have come into my life, whether for just a little while or otherwise.  Some of you are no longer here. Others are far away. Some, I have lost touch with.  Wherever you may be now. God bless all of you today and everyday.  I’ve been blessed by knowing you.  Happy Father’s Day!