It is customary to celebrate special occasions. Father's Day is one such occasion; a day set apart for us to honour our fathers and the role they play in our lives; a day when we reflect on the love, care and so many other things they extend to us.

We know we can never repay them, but if at no other time, on Father's Day we want them to know they are truly appreciated.

However, honouring fathers should not be a one-day thing, but rather something we always endeavour to do. But what does it mean to father a child? Certainly, it is much more than giving that child your last name! It involves, among other things, loving, caring, providing and teaching the child right from wrong.

Mother who fathered

Yet, many are not able to relate because it was their mother who fathered them. All their lives they have experienced nothing but neglect from the one who should be their father.

I concur, it is not an easy task to be a parent or a role model for your child. There are numerous challenges, but you can overcome them. Your child would much rather have you around than the beautiful gifts you often use as compensation for your absence. I dare say nothing can compensate for the role a man is required to play in a child's life.

It takes two

Fathers, it takes two; therefore, it is not acceptable for you to create a child and leave all the respon-sibility for the care and maintenance of that child on the mother. You were created for a specific purpose; you have a unique role to play in your child's life. A child needs a family in order to know his/her identity. Therefore, I encourage you to wholeheartedly accept your responsibility. No longer shall you be called worthless and irresponsible. No more half-stepping!

Yes, you will make mistakes, but you should learn from them.

Fathers, it is time for you to reclaim your place in your child's life and, by extension, society. Stand up and take your rightful place.

I am, etc.,

TEISHA-ANN PINNOCK

tapinn1@gmail.com

Montego Bay, St James