Last Sunday was Fathers Day. Not in my homeland of New Zealand, but in many other countries including Malaysia (where I am now), Canada, the UK, USA, and a whole bunch of others. It’s my first fathers day as a parent with a baby, although it’s the second overall, since our baby was alive and kicking in her mother’s womb this time last year (and I mean kicking, literally).
Anyway, my wife suggested we take a photo of me and our daughter, since it’s our daughter who makes me a father. I smiled, and said “it takes three to make a father.”
1. The Woman (Mother)
To become a father I obviously need my wife. Without her I would have no children. No father’s day would be complete without her.
2. The Man (Father)
It’s equally true that our child would not exist without me. Fifty percent of our baby girl’s DNA comes from me. She is a true Hans and Irene “HIbreed.” 😉
3. The Child (Son/Daughter)
Husband and wife love each other so fully that nine months later you may need to give it a name. Yes, the baby completes our little trinity. I became a father the moment she was conceived… although I didn’t know it for another 10 days or so (when the pregnancy test came back positive). A few weeks later we heard her heart beating during an ultrasound. A truly emotional moment filled with joy.
I now have the joy, challenges, and responsibility of being the father of a very active child. I’m blessed to have her mother by my side. We’re a strong family of three.
Happy Father’s Day
To all the fathers out there: Happy Father’s Day. Know that you have a very important role to play in your child’s life. Your presence makes a big difference in their future. I hope you had a great day, and wish you and your family all the best for the future.
Cover photo credit: Image by Anastasia Gepp.
