Happy Father’s Day

According to history, celebrating Father's Day can be traced as far back as to the ruins of Babylon. Around 4,000 years ago, a boy named Elmesu carved a message for Father's Day on a card made out of clay. In the card, the boy had wished long life and good health for his father.

In the USA, the first known Father's Day service occurred in West Virginia, on July 5, 1908, after the worst mining accident in U.S. history where hundreds of men died. Grace Golden Clayton proposed a service to honor all fathers, especially those who had died. Nevertheless, Father's Day did not become an annual event until 1972, when Congress passed an act officially making it a national holiday. 

Today, I read this anonymous quote that I loved: "A father is someone who wants to catch you before you fall, but instead, picks you up and brushes you off, and lets you try again. A father is someone who wants to keep you from making mistakes but instead lets you find your own way, even though his heart breaks in silence each time you get hurt. A father is someone who holds you when you cry, scolds you when you break the rules, shines with pride when you succeed, and has faith in you even when you fail."

My Grandfather was that person for me. He was always there for me.

I remember I broke my arm when I was six, and he would do the exercises with me until my arm was mobile again.

When I grew up, he would get emotional with my accomplishments in college. I took him with me to my graduation ceremony, and he was so proud. When I became a teacher, I would tell him every event I participated in and every article I published. My achievements were also his because he raised me.

I would travel back home, from Havana to Holguin, and his smile was the first thing I would see when I got to the station. When he got sick with cancer, I got unpaid leave and went home for three months. I just knew I wanted to spend with him all the time we had left.

It was one of the wisest decisions I have ever made.

We were friends until the end.

Wherever you are, I hope you are proud of the woman I have become.

Miss you, Grampa. Happy Father's Day!