Appreciating Dad

When we are little girls, we always look up to our daddies no matter what. They are a hand to hold, and strong arms that throw you into the air. A father-daughter bond is an important one that lasts, and carries through a lifetime. When you meet a boyfriend or your husband for the first time, it’s hard not to compare them to your dad, sometimes without even realizing it. Do they have a sense of humour, are they kind to everyone they meet, will they be supportive of me and all I want to do? No matter how long it’s been, I will always miss my dad and long for that bond that just was never there.

I know that many of you have the same feeling. Maybe your dad or child’s father is not the type of father that you would like them to be. Maybe you don’t have the best relationship. Maybe love is not openly shown or shared. But it is heart-warming to see so many dads today celebrating fatherhood and playing a very active and loving role in their children’s lives. Just visit your local park, grocery store or school yard to see this in action!

I feel surrounded by support this month, as many of our authors share similar stories to mine. Frank Emanuele misses his dad dearly. He passed away in the fall, and Frank remembers him fondly (page __). Jordan Thomas was raised without a father’s love and affection, and urges all like her to bravely move onward (page __)!

I also feel privileged to smile and laugh this Father’s Day as my son (and our assistant editor’s daughter) write about their dads’ best talents and worst jokes in KidZone on page __.They are blessed to have fathers who show their love, encouragement and pride every single day.

So get out there and find a special man in your life – it could be your dad, your husband, your boyfriend, your brother, a friend or neighbor. Appreciate him and tell him that you love him. Show your love with words and actions, and wish him a huge happy Father’s Day. We are so proud to have wonderful dads on our staff and as writers in our magazine. From the bottom of our hearts, we wish you all a very happy Father’s Day this month and throughout the year!

Sabina Manji, a lifelong Londoner, is an irrepressible entrepreneur, mother of a wonderful son, and also a committed volunteer.