We know that we’re supposed to honor our fathers. That’s difficult for an adult child of an alcoholic, someone who was abused or abandoned by his father physically or emotionally, a person remembering a workaholic, alcoholic, or drug-using dad, or a father who didn’t communicate except to yell and curse. Many people grow up to perpetuate these actions, passing on the same negativity to their own children.
Father’s Day is a good day for those who feel harmed by their childhood experiences to take stock, being sure they are not passing on a legacy of destructive behavior. They can help themselves, too, trying to let go of the hurt and even to forgive their fathers for their ignorance and lack of control. Of course it’s far from easy, but the burden, once dropped, leads to a happier life for the adult child and for his whole family.
As for those who grew up without carrying such a heavy load, give Dad an extra warm hug and “thank you” on Father’s Day.
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