Last year I wrote to my Dad for Fathers Day. The only thing is I am not sure he even read what I wrote for him. You see I have no idea where my Dad is living at the moment so I couldnt write and post him a letter.
I wanted to let him know that I am ok with that. I am ok with the fact that I was very stupid and said/did things that to our Father/Daughter Relationship so that he thought he had to move away from us. I am ok with the fact that he has no idea we live in a Motorhome nor does he realise we have our gorgeous son Kyle.
I had to let it all go and make my peace with our broken relationship. I had to let it go for the sake of my kids. I had to let it go so that I could move on.
If I wanted to reach out to him I could, I know where he is. David has found out where he is, but I have asked not to be told the location. Maybe one day we will met accidently? But I don’t want to be hurt anymore, nor do I want to hurt him. So it’s the way it is ~ we are part of each other but we are apart from each other.
Growing Up Without Dad
I never knew my Dad growing up. I am not sure what age I was when he left ~ the story is a bit confusing. My Mum says I was baby yet my Dad says I was walking?? Who knows, I do know that I have no memories of him being in my life. When I got married about 17 years ago I made a promise…that my boys would know there Dad. NO. Matter. What. They are able to wake up Fathers Day and say to their Dad “Happy Fathers Day Daddy“
That promise has not been easy to keep but its something that I believe strongly in. And my boys all have their Dad around them, be it a phone call away, or be it living with him.
What I could never ever imagine is this…….
My Childhood
When I was younger my Mum and Step Dad was running a business. It was a petrol station (Called 7/11) and they worked hard. My brothers were a lot younger than me…and I had no choice. I had to help out. Now I can see how fortunate I was. I got to spend quality time with my brothers, and help to raise them. I had food to give them, clothes to dress them in, a roof over our head and we had nothing to worry about.
HOW did I not realise how fortunate I was?
Photo :: “Domitrien lovingly holds his three year old son outside their home in rural Burundi. As a single parent Domitrien works hard to provide food for his son by chopping wood or tilling land. Photo by Robert Coronado, World Vision”
I guess we take life for granted. I guess we take everyone for granted. That is why I am determined to make sure my family has more in life ~ not with more stuff, but with more experiences.
That is how New Life on the Road started…..from wanting the best for my family.
Even though we may be worlds apart, even though we may all have different needs/lifestyle, even though we are different in colour we all still have the same basic needs…….
Here is the story of the above video ::
“11-year old Salissou lives in Niger, where one in four children born there dies before his or her fifth birthday. Salissou, like many other children in Niger, experiences hunger on an every day basis due to the growing global food crisis. In fact, more than 9 million people in Niger could be in desperate need of food”
Cant Imagine What Their Fathers Day Would Be Like?
We think of gifts for Fathers Day every year. Yet really does he need it? Considering how many tools David needs for work (and has in the boot of the Motorhome) it’s almost a waste buying more “Stuff” ~ this year we are going to experience an adventure. We are going somewhere for Fathers Day to create memories. We are also giving.
What Can You Do? What Can We Do? Heres how we all can help :: A Race Against Time
Instead of buying a gift that will soon be forgotten, why not give….with such a small donation we can all be making a huge difference.
To us that is what Fathers Day is all about!
Its about giving with love, giving with time, giving with a small gift. Its all I have.
Happy Fathers Day Daddy ~ where ever you are. Please know that I love you no matter what. To all the Dad’s out there ~ Have a magical day. Treasure the day with your children….they grow up far too fast!
What Do You Have Planned For Fathers Day?
Cheers
Lisa
New Life on the Road
Well Lisa,
I know I have been following your blog for a year now, because I remember your Father’s Day message last year, and I thought how brave you were to write it. I probably said so in the comments. Ditto for this year!
I love the way you are thinking of the starving people of the world by linking to World Vision.
Our children will be joining their Dad and myself for a father’s day dinner on Sunday night and we will be visiting Marty’s dad at home as he is not well at the moment. My parents are on holidays and I did not realize I would be missing father’s day, before they left, so I will catch up with Dad when they get back.
Jan
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Hi Jan,
Thanking you so much for your kind words xxx
Sounds like you have a great Fathers day ahead.
Hope Martys Dad is better soon, and has a great day with family. It will be good when your Dad gets back so that you can spend time together – Fathers day is special.
World Vision sure is amazing…has opened my eyes to so much!
Cheers
Lisa
Oh this is so touching., my mind is playing “Dance with my Father” song while reading this.
and I also like the photo of Domitrien who holds his three year old son, it was a perfect father-and-son shot! and I was touched that he works so hard to provide food for his son by chopping wood or tilling the land. He’s such a good father!
Anyway, thanks for sharing this and thanks for sharing your story!
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Thanking you for your kind words.
I also love the strength, love and kindness in the photo – it really does show the relationship between a father and his son 🙂