July 29 - Parents’ Day
In 1994 this holiday was originally established by Congress “recognizing, uplifting, and supporting the role of parents in the rearing of children.”
Apparently since then, the holiday has been hijacked by the right-leaning National Parents’ Day Council to re-emphasize traditional family values. According to the website, “Unfortunately, our popular culture over the past several decades has emphasized self-fulfillment and self-gratification. Such focus on the self runs counter to the essence of parenthood … Parents’ Day provides an opportunity to recognize and promote parenting as a central vocation for our families and communities.”
Well, I dont’ want to make a political statement about family values and vocations and what a family is or isn’t, who should be allowed to have them, etc. Some people don’t ever want to be parents, and I think that’s fine too. We may not all be parents, but we all have them. And if you’re lucky enough to have had parents that loved you, then I think today is the day you should recognize what they’ve added to your life.
Both my parents are gone, but the lessons I learned from them are not forgotten. From my mom, I learned you should never return a dish empty or you’ll lose a friend; honey and lemon juice and whiskey make a great cough syrup. I also learned from her example that you can show patience in the face of pain and not let it ruin your life. My mom was a fighter for 13 years with cancer, and I hope if I’m ever challenged like she was, I’ll have half her courage. From my dad, I learned to always make sure to buy enough meat for dinner, laugh a lot, tell jokes and enjoy life while you can. I also learned what it means to be generous and forgiving and realize from his example that you enjoy life much more when you choose not to sweat the small stuff.
As I was growing up, I was never cold and hungry, never went without and always knew mom and dad were there when I needed them. That makes me pretty lucky. If you were lucky, too, then wish your parents a happy Parents’ Day.