To Those Dads Who Too Often Go Unnoticed,
Happy Father's Day to Dads of Special Needs Kids
I don’t have any children, and my father passed away many years ago. Father’s Day is just another day to me. But sometimes I think of a certain group of fathers who don’t get recognized enough on this special day.
Throughout the year, I hear fathers, whether neighbors or random men at the gym or grocery store, talk proudly about the deeds of their sons and daughters. Most often, they brag about the athletic accomplishments of their children who participate in school sports. Less frequently, they talk about their children’s academic achievements, or musical or artistic talents.
Quite often, I see men bring their sons with them to the gym I belong to, and embarrass them in front of others as they brag about how athletic they are. I haven’t seen this type of behavior involving a daughter, but perhaps that is left up to the child’s mother. Whenever I see a young man and his father, being the center of attention in this bragging ritual, I feel happy for the boy, having a father who cares so much for him.
There have been times when I have seen the father pushing his son to perform better, even though the boy doesn’t want to. I suppose this is part of the kid’s training to be more like his father. Or maybe the kid is just lazy. Regardless, these fathers should be proud of themselves for being in their children’s lives.
Along with the dads I have mentioned above are some dads who are not as visible or boisterous, who I admire and give a lot of credit to. These fathers bring their special needs sons to the gym to share their workout routines. Many of these young men are non-verbal, as well as developmentally disabled, but they put their all into their exercises.
Sadly, there are a few members who stare and even avoid these great kids and their fathers. Despite these displays of ignorance, I can see the feelings of pride shining through on the faces of the dads and the boys, as if they were competing in the Olympics.
Father’s Day comes every June, but I don’t feel as though these special dads get the attention they deserve. For some of these kids, learning to tie their shoes or walk a few feet on their own takes as much courage, hard work, and determination as scoring the winning touchdown in the big game does for many other kids. And all of these kids’ fathers deserve a great deal of respect and admiration, and have every right to be proud of their children for whatever they do and for whoever they become.
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads all over the world!
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A much deserved tribute!!