IT IS said that Father’s Day was founded in Spokane, Washington, at the YMCA in 1910 by Sonora Smart Dodd. Her father was a Civil War veteran, William Jackson Smart, a single parent who raised his six children there.

After hearing a sermon about Anna Jarvis’ Mother’s Day at the Central Methodist Episcopal Church in 1909, she told her pastor that fathers should have a similar holiday honouring them.

Although she initially suggested June 5, her father’s birthday, the pastors of the Spokane Ministerial Alliance did not have enough time to prepare their sermons, and the celebration was deferred to the third Sunday of June. That is enough, I believe, for the history.

Someone once asked me why Mother’s Day draws more attention than Father’s Day. At this time, I prefer to leave that up to all those who are reading this letter to answer.

Despite the feelings of some, I would like us to know that there are many wonderful fathers out there who are dedicated and committed to their children and who would do anything to ensure that they are well taken care of, provided for, and loved.

Being a father myself, I would like all our men out there to understand that our role in the family structure is important, with special emphasis on fathers, since we are celebrating this day. Let all of us men on this day take a look at ourselves and ask the question: can I do better?

Whether we like it or not, we must fulfil our roles as providers, protectors, advisers, friends and lovers, just to name a few. We must take the lead, and not just leave it up to the women in our lives.

Therefore, dads: take the time out to look into the mirror-not condemning yourselves, but objectively and constructively searching your inner beings and looking for ways to be even better fathers.

None of us is perfect, and the day we stop growing and learning, believe me, we are indirectly dying.

When we look around and see what is taking place in our society, it tells us that our children need role models-and what better person to fill that space than a father in the lives of his children?

I conclude with this quote by the writer Lisa Rogers, ‘A man’s worth is measured by how he parents his childrenwhat he gives them, what he keeps away from them, the lessons he teaches, and the lessons he allows them to learn on their own.’

To all the fathers out there, love to you all. Do enjoy this day set aside to celebrate you.

Arnold Gopeesingh

San Juan