So much has been written and said about mothers and so little about  fathers. But fathers have their own day too. In most countries, Father’s Day is celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of June. It’s an attempt to show that the role of the father and that of the mother, are of equal significance, although fathers take second place very often in our society.

This celebration started in America, in the beginning of the 20th century, inspired by the first Mother’s Day. In some countries it was established because of the depreciation fathers have been suffering in child custody during divorce in the court.

Years ago fathers were considered to be distant viewers during the children’s upbringing, but father’s role is much more than the presence of a second adult in the house. A number of surveys have shown that children with fathers who get practically involved in their upbringing have a higher IQ level, better linguistic and cognitive development. Children who have a good connection with their fathers are less likely to get depressed, have behavioral problems and lie. A strong father-child bond decreases behavioral problems in boys and increases self esteem in girls.

I can confirm this last statement by my personal experience. Being brought up with a father that has always been trying to be present despite long hours and hard working conditions, I learned to stand my ground. He has always been there to take care of me, to listen to me, to play with me. He is present in every childhood memory of mine. In playing, strolling around, swimming in the sea…I can still remember him some nights after work reading me bedtime stories and falling asleep before me…exhaustion never kept him from being by my side.

In my childhood if he was a color he would be light blue. The strongest light blue color! The color of the sea and the clear sky. That’s where my dad stands. In between the sky and the sea. He taught me how to swim and how to go with the flow not only in the sea, but in life too. He taught me to look up and follow my dreams.

Now, after a few decades, if my dad was a color he would be indigo blue. The color of wisdom, justice and loyalty. He is always standing by me…in every important moment and decision throughout my life. He supports me to claim whatever makes me happy, even if he disagrees with my choice in the beginning. He will cross seas and mountains whenever I ask for his help. He sees the positive and funny side of every situation. I learned to keep evolving and never compromise, to keep my feet on the ground and my gaze up in the sky because of him.

“My sweet dad thank you so much for believing in me and helping to become what I am!”