One of the best Disney movies of all time is The Lion King. It’s definitely in my top 5 favorite movies ever. But I’m not here to give you my top 100 favorite movies of all time, although that could be a post in it’s own right. Maybe in the future :).
It’s fitting that last night The Lion King was aired on Father’s Day. As a kid I always shed a tear or two at the tragic stampede scene (cue the heart strings being tugged). Simba had to not only watch Mufasa *holding back tears* pass away, but grow up without his wonderful, wise, loving father. He didn’t get the time he deserved with his dad. And it got me thinking, now that I’m older, that scene has a far more different meaning than it did when I was 10 years old.
What would it have been like if I didn’t have my dad?
Don’t mistake me, I definitely try not to think about that but it did cross my mind last night as I was viewing the movie.
I can’t imagine growing up in this world without him. I can’t imagine him not being at any of my soccer games, high school and college graduation, creating a bond with his grandchildren, attending various events for my sister and I, being exposed to our Jamaican heritage or just being by my mother’s side for the past 40 years.
Fathers are important.
Fathers provide a different view of the world for their child. A child is able to see how the world works, not only from their mom’s view but their dad’s as well. And then in turn, take both of those views and mold it with their own.
Fathers are there to encourage when you feel like you’ve been knocked down.
Fathers are there to be an example to their children on what a good man looks like.
A father’s love is significant.
My dad has been a great sounding board for me, especially in the past 13 to 14 years when I became a parent. Never judges me when I need to vent or just talk to him about life in general. Just like with my mom, I understand him a little bit more everyday.
I’m grateful to have my dad not only in my life but my children’s lives as well. I’m grateful that I had my dad around to support me in the decisions I made with my life. To be more than grateful to have his own bonding time with his grandkids. And just being a great dad to my sister and myself.
I’m grateful for my dad.
The quality of a father can be seen in the goals, dreams and aspirations he sets not only for himself, but for his family. ―Reed Markham
Life Lessons from a Novice 