International Father’s Day: Celebrating heads of families

They provide, they protect and their love is unconditional. It’s that time of the year again when the world celebrates and honors fathers. Throughout the times, fathers have been known to be strong pillars of strength for their children to lean and communities to learn from. The beginnings of father’s day celebrations differ in some countries but most agree that Fathers Day was inaugurated in the early 20th century to complement Mother’s Day celebrations. Father’s day is the world’s opportunity to shine the spot light and celebrate male parenting and all it entails. Many countries celebrate it on the third Sunday of June and red roses are worn in the lapel for those whose fathers are living and a white rose if he is deceased. Celebrating fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society has without a doubt become a popular event on the modern calendar. On this Father’s day, Sunday Times decided to shine the limelight and honor all fathers, grandfathers, great-grandfathers, and father figures and devise their contribution to society. Majority of the Dads who spoke to Sunday Times described fatherhood as a demanding but worthwhile job. Enoch Gahiji a father of 3 teenagers says there has been no greater job, responsibility or duty that has been more profound or rewarding than his title as a Dad. “The first word that my eldest daughter uttered was Dada. That was a beautiful experience for me because the fact that my daughter knew my identity even at such a tender age told me I was doing something right. For everyday of my life since I become a father I wake up knowing that three innocent lives depend on me. There is no greater motivation than that.” he said. While the formulae to being a great Dad is yet to be created, most will agree that experience does the trick. Duke Mitali, a Dad to a bouncing baby girl admits he is yet to fully comprehend the ever changing waters of fatherhood. “I dot on my daughter primarily because I think she looks like me. Truthfully though, the love I have for my daughter is not enough. I know I have to be in the right mindset to raise someone with a right and confident mindset. I want to raise her into a genuine and generous person who is firmly rooted in the security of my presence and unconditional love.” he said. For most expecting parents, pregnancy is a beautiful and rather bewilding experience. For expecting father Innocent Murenzi he says he has absolutely no idea what to expect but is nervously anticipating the birth of his child nonetheless. “I am yet to really adjust to the idea that am going to be a dad. Most days I am surprised when people come up to me and say Congratulations! It’s a great responsibility bringing a life into this world. Now I watch my step, always questioning myself if what I am doing is something my son can be proud to be identified with. I will admit to being nervous but I really look forward to become a truly involved and hands on dad.” he said. Celebrating paternal bonds goes far into honoring roots of great fatherhood as well, Adolph Murekezi a father of 5 and grandfather of 3 children says he feels fulfilled and proud watching his family tree grow bigger and bigger. He advices brand new dads to enjoy the time with their young children as much possible while they still can. “Time moves very first. One day you have a baby and the next you have a young adult on your hands. There is nothing in the world quite like fatherhood, one day you will see the mirror of your work reflected towards you when children become adults. It’s a great feeling to know that you have done all you could to mould a good human being.” he said. The influence of fathers on society is without very profound. In some cases they are not even biological fathers. The Rwandan society is no stranger to adoptive fathers, step-fathers or male guardians. In fact there are many people today who testify to the incredible fathers experience they had with a father figure with whom they shared no blood relation. Edward Runihura adopted two young adults and he told Sunday Times fatherhood has come almost naturally to him. “When I obtained custody of my children, we all had to adjust to each other’s needs and strike a balance that was reasonable and fair for all of us. Fatherhood is definitely not easy which is why effective communication in any household is paramount. I tell them my stand and they tell me theirs, most of the times they respect all my decisions,” he says with a chuckle. Majority of people who spoke to Sunday Times also shared various ways in which they plan to honor their fathers on this special day. Interestingly, most say fathers are the easiest to shop for and easy to please. It is important and thoughtful for people to find ways to celebrate their fathers or their legacy. Acts could be as simple as a phone call or greetings card to large parties honoring all of the father figures. Whether its biological fathers, step-fathers, fathers-in-law, grandfathers and great-grandfathers and even other fatherly male relatives, today is the day to give back to them just a little of what they have given to everyone else throughout their fatherhood. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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International Father’s Day: Celebrating heads of families