To A Seafaring Dad on Father's Day

A Father's Day Tribute to the man in command of Maersk Visby as of this writing..

Our country celebrates Father's Day every third Sunday of June, and this year it falls on June 19. During this time  of the year, the king of our home is given a treat and showered with gifts. However, because he is onboard,  let this be an opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth asking himself, some of life's finest questions on the very important role of fatherhood in the molding , nurturing, and shaping of our only child's being. Conversely, for our son too, a time to assess as to how his  father had fared in his eyes as a DAD. 
The following are insights from history's greatest writers, thinkers, politician and comedians:
For Being Role Models
"Children have more need of models than critics."- Joseph Joubert
As agreed by most  experts in parenting, leading by example is still the more effective disciplinary tool than harsh punishment. We must show on how we live, all the tings that we preached to them.
On  Disciplining our children
"There must always be a struggle between a father and son, while one aims at power and the other at independence."-Samuel Johnson
Being in command, aboard his ship, it is but natural for him to be somewhat conservative, a bit strict and perfectionist. At the root of countless disciplinary issues while on home leave, is our child's quest for independence. While our only child needs the freedom to explore and make mistakes in the process. As a good father and dad, he will continue to provide clear boundaries and gentle guidance throughout our son's journey without hurting and putting me in the middle of a crossfire. 
For Decisions  made
"If  an American father feels bewildered and even defeated, let him take comfort from the fact that whatever he does in any fathering situation has a fifty percent chance of being right."- Bill Cosby
Like our children,  fathers also needed the opportunity to learn through our triumphs and our failures. Committing a mistake today simply means that we can  make it right tomorrow. Let us just deal with things one day at a time with an open mind and heart.
For Simply Being There
"I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection."- Sigmund Freud  
Fathers need to be active in their children's lives, whether  they live under one roof or not. That's why I branded him as a Satellite Daddy because he spends more time at sea than at home.  During our only child's growing up years, when he is on board, he never failed to call daily through satellite phone, even if it was draining his pocket. Today, thanks to modern technology, he now enjoys  free calls through Skype and is online  to us 24/7.
Of Being a Father
 "A man never stands as tall as when he kneels to help a child."- Knights of Pythagoras
Fatherhood is the ultimate lesson in humility. Children change not only the particulars of our lives - but our priorities. And once we embrace that change. Our lives  become even more meaningful.
Of Keeping the Right Perspective
"When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the him around. However,when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much he  learned in seven years." - Mark Twain
When it comes to raising teenagers, it is always a challenge to every parent on how to win the situation at this stage of their life. Perhaps, the key to making it out of this stage alive is to keep loving them-while reminding ourselves daily that they will soon grow out of this phase. Life is a series of hits and misses. 
Any man who sired a child can be a father but it takes a Special Person to be a DAD. He is someone who wants to catch us before we fall but instead pick us up, brushes us off and let us try again!  The greatest gift we ever had, came from God and we Call him Dad. (Allen Murray)
Thank you for everything and for being a good Daddy. We love you!! 

Happy Father's Day  to All.