Happy Father's Day to my Mother

     It's Father's day and I don't know who should I congratulate on this day. I wasn't blessed with a great father. Should I called him because of protocol?  As this  day goes by it is a reminder of all the beautiful things I didn't experience. I can't say that I missed anything because, how can I miss what I never had?
I know that as I was growing up something was different. I never saw my father in any school activity, or my sixth grade graduation when I received my high honors medal. He wasn't there for any teacher - parent conference, or when I was sick, or when a boy broke my heart for the first time. My father wasn't there to walk me down the aisle when I married. I don't even think he remembers the day I was born, because he has never said happy birthday. He was physically in my life but absent in all other possible ways.

    So, who do I congratulate on this special day? The answer is easy, I will congratulate my mother who has always been there for me since I remember. She took the role of father and mother and did it gracefully. I will congratulate my grandfather Joaquin, who was always there for me and went to heaven too soon. I always wished he was my dad. I will congratulate my brothers who protect me and love without limits, and who chose a different approach to parenthood. Also my grandmother Emilia who always believed in me even when I messed up.

     I had a great family who always made me feel like I had it all, and as an adult I realized that I did...I had and have it all.
  
    Not everything was bad about my dad, he taught me a great lesson. From him I learned the type of a parent that I shouldn't be. I want to make my children a priority in my life. I don't want to be average, I want to be great. They will never have to feel alone, because I will always be with them. I feel sad for my dad because he missed out in so many things that will never come back, because there isn't a second chance. I am not angry or bitter, I had forgiven him a long time ago.

    I want to wish a Happy Father's Day to my mother and to my brothers who are the kind of father that every kid will want to have.