Empathy and Laughter:

A Father's Day Tribute to Daddy

Have you ever gotten your Mother a Father’s Day card? I did once, along with one for Daddy. The card thanked Mom for holding our family together. Daddy thought it was sweet, but mainly wanted to see if his card had money. I always put a $100 bill in his card, knowing he wouldn’t read it, but opened it with expectations.

Just to prove Daddy never read my cards, one year I quietly retrieved the card, put it back in my handbag for next year. Twelve months later, I went to the bank to get a crisp new Benjamin and two crisp $1bills. I used two-way tape and meticulously stuck a $1 bill on each side of the Benjamin. This was one of my most exciting Father’s Day gifts. The ability to play a trick on Daddy was going to be fun.

Arriving at my parents home in time for the Father’s Day meal, I gave Daddy his card and in true form, he opened the card and the dollar bill hit the table. Daddy put the dollar bill back in the card, clearing his throat, saying, “Thank You, Thank You.”

Well, the joke was on me because I couldn’t take another moment of Daddy looking disappointed.

“Daddy, let me see your card.” I took the disguised Benjamin, eagerly announcing, “Look Daddy” I gently peeled away the dollar bills from each side of the crisp $100 bill. Daddy erupted in his signature laugh while talking at the same time. “Aw-righ now. You know you a mess. Look here Hatt- Lee (Hattie Lee-my Mom). Look what Pam did.”

Daddy was getting back what he had given to me. Empathy.

Born in 1912, Daddy cared deeply for us and our community. Every 1st Sunday, he and our Mom cooked and fed the entire congregation at Marshall Chapel Church. Despite having 13 children, Daddy never turned anyone away needing food or shelter, teaching us by example.

Research shows that empathetic fathers contribute to lower crime rates and enhance community cohesion. Their children are more likely to engage in community service and less likely to engage in delinquent behavior. Empathetic fathers play a crucial role in their children’s emotional and social development and in fostering safer, more connected communities.

As we celebrate Father’s Day, I want empathetic Dads to know that their actions are their children’s greatest gifts. Teaching us how to take care of you and our extended community. “Thank You Daddy. ‘Happy ‘Heavenly’ Father’s Day.”