While it is not my intention to bombard you with editorial discourse on the proceedings that occur in the House of Assembly, I must note one very interesting observation. It seems as if when the “fathers” of the House rise to speak, they are rarely heckled and interrupted. Furthermore, spectators of this “sport” would note that there is very little talking from the seated members when the “fathers” stand to speak.
The former Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for Farm Road/Centreville referred to himself as “one of the fathers” in the Lower House. One can only then assume that the member for North Abaco and present Prime Minister is the other “father.” Therefore, while the children would behave badly among themselves, they seem to have some restraint when their “fathers” are speaking.
The fact that junior members, seasoned veterans and Cabinet Members all bend to the will and show a noticeable level of respect to the “fathers” when they rise to speak indicates the power of fathers in this “house” and possibly any other house in this land. Of course there can be no power if you, as father, are not present in your children’s home.
The cry in this country is such that men who father children need to be present and involved in the lives of their children. Anyone who has children or works intimately in the lives of children would attest to the fact that fathers, specifically, good fathers, make a hugely positive impact in the lives of their children. Similarly then, absent or “deadbeat dads” also have a profoundly negative effect on the lives of their children.
This past June 17th we celebrated Father’s Day along with millions others around the world. The idea for creating a day for children to honour their fathers began in Spokane, Washington. A woman by the name of Sonora Smart Dodd thought of the idea for Father's Day while listening to a Mother's Day sermon in 1909.
The story is told that having been raised by her father, William Jackson Smart, after her mother died, Sonora wanted her father to know how special he was to her. Since he was born in the month of June, she chose to hold the first Father's Day celebration in Spokane, Washington on the 19th of June, 1910.
In 1926, a National Father's Day Committee was formed in New York City. Father's Day was recognized by a Joint Resolution of Congress in 1956. In 1972, President Richard Nixon established a permanent national observance of Father's Day to be held on the third Sunday of June. So Father's Day was born in memory and gratitude by a daughter who thought that her father and all good fathers should be honoured with a special day just like we honor our mothers on Mother's Day (
http://morning-glow.com/
).
One father noted on a newscast, that days leading up to Mother’s Day, the streets were lined with beautiful baskets for sale. However, he said the only thing lining the streets the weekend of Father’s Day is “loads of crabs.”
While some of us may have gotten a good laugh from this, it speaks volumes of how many people may view fathers and the celebration of fatherhood. And, rightly so. Perhaps many men do not deserve to be honoured on this special day because they have not lived up to their responsibilities.
In order for a man to receive respect and honour from his children, he needs to be present to them not just financially, but physically, emotionally, and spiritually as well. There are many men who are fathers because of simple biology, but there are those fathers who lead their homes with righteousness, integrity and love.
If members in the Lower House deem it appropriate to give respect to the “fathers” of that place, can your children do the same in your house? This week I applaud all men who recognize and appreciate that they have been blessed with the responsibility of fatherhood. And for those who fall short, I challenge you to make the necessary changes in your life so you can fulfill your purpose as father.
About the author: Joye Ritchie-Greene is an Educational Consultant, Writer and Martial Arts Instructor. She is the owner/operator of The Bahamas Martial Arts Academy; president of Time-Out Productions; and is also a columnist for the Freeport News. She has a B.A. in English and an M.S. in Human Resources, resides in Freeport, Grand Bahama with her husband and enjoys playing tennis. Joye can be reached at
joye_hel_ena@hotmail.com
