3 Poems: Father's Day Without My Father
Father's Day can evoke a mix of joy, pain, and memory. It's a day that feels different for the 25 million children growing up without a father, the resilient single mothers filling dual roles, the adults who have lost their fathers too soon, and those who find fatherly love in grandfathers, uncles, cousins, brothers, teachers, coaches, and friends.
I've spent most of my life navigating this day without my dad. It used to be a day of mourning, a stark reminder of absence. But now, it has become a celebration—a tribute to the many "fathers" who have shaped me. These experiences have shown me that a life without one parent can be just as rich, just as filled with love and joy, as a life with two.
In that spirit, I share with you three Father's Day poems. They are dedicated to all those who find themselves on this journey, honoring the diverse and beautiful ways fatherhood can manifest in our lives.