Father's Day - Happy?

extracted from the book Solving Our Relationship Problems
Chapter: Children: How to Avoid Regrets pp124-125

Where Did the Years Go?

I remember talking to my friend a number of years ago about our children. Mine were five and seven then, just the ages when their daddy means everything to them. I wished that I could have spent more time with my kids but I was too busy working. After all, I wanted to give them all the things I never had when I was growing up.

I loved the idea of coming home and having them sit on my lap and tell me about their day. Unfortunately, most days I came home so late that I was only able to kiss them good-night after they had gone to sleep.

It is amazing how fast kids grow. Before I knew it, they were nine and eleven. I missed seeing them in school plays. Everyone said they were terrific, but the plays always seemed to go on when I was traveling for business or tied up in a special conference. The kids never complained, but I could see the disappointment in their eyes.

I kept promising that I would have more time "next year." But the higher up the corporate ladder I climbed, the less time there seemed to be.

Suddenly they were no longer nine and eleven. They were fourteen and sixteen. Teenagers. I didn't see my daughter the night she went out on her first date or my son's championship basketball game. Mom made excuses and I managed to telephone and talk to them before they left the house.
I could hear the disappointment in their voices, but I explained as best I could.

Don't ask where the years have gone. Those little kids are nineteen and twenty-one now and in college. I can't believe it. My Job is less demanding and I finally have time for them. But they have their own interests and there is no time for me. To be perfectly honest, I'm a little hurt.

It seems like yesterday that they were five and seven. I'd give anything to live those years over. You can bet your life I'd do it differently. But they are gone now, and so is my chance to be a real dad.

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Psst. kabayan, mahirap maging masaya sa araw na ito lalo na't nandito tayo sa Qatar at naiwan ang pamilya natin sa Pilipinas, kahit man lang ngumiti okay na :)

My father isn't perfect, but he's always been a dad who teach me about our Heavenly Father, that's what a christian dad should do.

Yes as an earthly father I also disappoint & hurt my children but our heavenly Father in Heaven is merciful & gracious, slow to anger & abounding in mercy Psalms 103:8

Just for these day, wear a smile knowing someone really loves you & won't betray your relationship. Who loves you just the way you are.

Peace be with you dear Fathers.