Happy Fathers Day
I’m chasing sunsets again — back at my usual spot from the 3rd of June. I’ve returned to the interchange, watching the sun dip below the horizon while listening to Pompi — Mizu.
Happy Father’s Day to all the men around the world. You are the real heroes — without capes, of course. And to those who wear them, we celebrate you just the same. It’s easy to overlook the importance and value that fathers bring to our lives — not just the ones who raised us, but also the strangers who offered timely advice, those who mentioned our names in rooms of opportunity, those who stood by our side when no one else believed in us, and those who gave more than they had just to see us grow into who we are today.
I am personally inspired by men. And being one myself, I often feel immense joy and fulfillment when I reflect on my contribution to the world. Don’t get me wrong — I’m equally in awe of the impact women have made and continue to make — but today, I choose to focus on men. And when the 15th of October comes, I’ll surely write something in honor of women.
So, who is a father? According to modern dictionaries, a father is a man in relation to his child or children. But that leads us to ask: who is a man? The dictionary defines a man as an adult male human, having passed through boyhood and adolescence. That means the “boy” in him is gone, and he’s entered a stage where society, family, children, and even God look upon him with expectation. From the moment a male child is born, the world begins to expect something from him — an expectation he cannot outrun.
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A man is someone who embraces responsibility and carries it with strength, wit, and resolve — standing tall whenever duty calls (which is every day). With that understanding, we can better appreciate the role of a father. Children need care and provision, and so does the home. Being a father isn’t limited to biological ties — it includes anyone who takes a child under their care or plays a fatherly role in a young life.
The presence of a father — biological or not — makes a significant difference in a child’s development. If you’ve had a man in your life who supported you in any way, chances are he altered the trajectory of your life — possibly making you a better citizen of the world, or, sadly, one who adds to its pain. That impact, whether positive or negative, often originates from the father figures in our lives — literal or symbolic.
With this in mind, every man should reflect deeply on the choices he makes. He has the power to either bring balance and order to the world — or to contribute to its chaos. This is a lifelong responsibility. It’s not a job you can take a break from. Once accepted, it becomes a cross you carry until your last breath.
One might ask, “Why carry this burden at all? Why not just stay in boyhood even after you’ve aged out of it?” The answer is simple: you’ll remain a boy forever — a victim of the Peter Pan effect — refusing to grow up, shirking your part in the world, and blaming everyone else for your fate. It’s easier to point fingers at your “Captain Hook” than to own your path. But that’s no way for a man to live.
Throughout generations, fathers have risen and sometimes failed in their roles — yet many have gone above and beyond. For a long time, fatherhood wasn’t openly celebrated or seen as core to a man’s identity. As a result, many men have felt no need to be acknowledged for what they do. But in recent years, Father’s Day has gained recognition, and I find it heartening to witness this shift.
So today, I celebrate every man who has positively impacted a child’s life. Whether you’re a biological father, a mentor, a guardian, or simply someone who took a child under your wing — you have made the world a better place. And to the men who have run away from this calling: it’s never too late. Start today.
Your presence and effort have made this world safer and better.
Be blessed. Happy Father’s Day to all men.
