I propose a name change for the second Sunday in June. Let’s replace Father’s Day with Daddy’s Day. The alliteration makes it more fun to say and the meaning of the day is better represented. I am not naïve to believe that everyone gets a dad, and I am not about to take on the semantics and politics of daddy-hood. I am writing this little essay from my experiences to honor the men that are dads in my life.
In my world, a daddy is defined by love. Daddy-love is just as strong and enduring as mommy-love. I can say with conviction that I have the best daddy of all. He is and has always been a steadfast rock through all the ups and downs life threw at him. He has placed family first, always. I never questioned if his love was genuine. He was and still is true. I am also blessed with wonderful uncles—extended dads. These men were cut from the same cloth of daddy-hood virtues. My husband too was raised by a solid dad and earned his own daddy-stars by raising three beautiful daughters into amazing young women. And now I find myself
surrounded by another generation of young dads. My favorite son-in-law and nephews are earning those early daddy endearments; so sweet to watch.
In my world, the second Sunday in June is meant to honor the men who show strength in being a constant loving force in a child’s life. I’m calling it Daddy’s Day.
Antoinette Truglio Martin is the author of Hug Everyone You Know: A Year of Community, Courage, and Cancer. The memoir is a wimpy patient’s journey through her first year with cancer.
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