To those who always had a close relationship with their fathers and whose loss still stings after so many years, may you be comforted by a lifetime of happy memories of him.

And for those of us who had or have fathers who were never really Dads,
For those who have dreaded this day for as long as we can remember,
For those who are reminded every year of what should have been, what could have been but hasn’t.

For those of us who were used, abused, or neglected and for whom fatherhood meant fear and disappointment.

For those of us who have had to say goodbye to our fathers while they are still alive,
May we find strength in the knowledge that we knew when to take care of ourselves and say enough is enough.

May we take pride in the men and women we are becoming despite a huge hole in our lives.

May we take joy in the friends and other family members that bring so much joy and meaning to our lives.

Take time to mourn, cry many rivers, yell ’til you’re hoarse. Grieve the love that you should have received.

And then walk on, for you are still standing and have much to be proud of.

I offer this prayer on a Father’s Day mourning.