Natalie Whatley

I’m a people watcher.  It’s a practice that has gotten me into trouble at various points in my life (some people don’t like being watched), but I can’t help fading to the back of a crowd and taking in all that swirls around me. Fascinating!  I’m telling you this as a demonstration of my credentials; I’ve been studying people my entire 38.5 years, and there’s a sub-group of our population I find amazing. It’s fitting to shower them with a little adoration here on their special day. 

The occasion usually calls for fancy meals, relaxation, and gifts. While fathers enjoy receiving those things, years of research has yielded a gem I’m happy to share: What they really want is appreciation. If you want to make Father’s Day extra special, give him specific examples of what is/was appreciated over the years followed by a big hug. Right before the blissful moment he realizes you were paying attention to his steady contribution, he’ll likely be struck by how the most mundane things (he thought they were no big deal) left an impression.  

I’m grateful to have had two fathers who took great interest in me and worked hard to make sure I had everything I needed along with most of what I wanted. I had no idea the magnitude of what they’d given until I had children of my own.

Looking back, I appreciate trips camping and to amusement parks (exhausting for adults), searching for and identifying seashells at the beach, wise counsel , waiting up to make sure I was home safely, and having the patience of a saint when it came to me and the clothes dryer. 

My daddy takes great pleasure in reminding me how I dried one undergarment at a time when he hears me blame my rising electric bill on his precious grandchildren. And Dad . . . well, he allowed me to live after I threw some previously-worn clothes complete with a tube of dark-colored lipstick in with a load of whites. I left for work; he spent hours removing L’oreal’s Copper something-or-other from the load he was drying. I can still see him standing in the laundry room mumbling as he scrubbed individual spots with a toothbrush. He kept the harsh words to himself . . . a lesson I can’t say I’ve fully learned, and I’ve had plenty of practice.

My children’s father:  astounding in so many ways. From the attic to zippers, he handles it all with comedic flair. The fact that he can make us all laugh when we’d rather cry makes the not-so-fun moments of life tolerable. Plus he’s pretty good at setting things straight again, and does it after putting in the long hours that have given me the greatest gift ever: being home with my kiddos and the freedom to pursue my dreams. Gratitude seems way too small a price.

It doesn’t end with the fathers in my life.  Guys just like mine are all over –remember, I’ve been watching.  I couldn’t be more impressed.

While motherhood’s nurturing role remains a constant, the lines of fatherhood blur and change with societal evolution.  A few get lost in the confusion, but most strive to hit the moving target and in a form true to the male gender end up going above and beyond. I’ve seen it clearly every day for the past 38.5 years. Fathers, you’re a sight to behold.  Happy Father’s Day!

© 2009 Natalie Whatley

Tags: Father's Day