06/09/2026
❤️ 𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗬 𝗙𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗗𝗔𝗬! ❤️
I didn’t have what you’d call a great relationship with my dad, even though he was always present.
He was born in 1932, and life was very different for men of his generation. He was hard working, but very strict & not the best at showing love or affection. It is what it is though & I loved him deeply & wouldn’t have changed him for anyone else.
I’m grateful for the lessons I learned simply by watching him throughout my life, some I’ve carried with me, and some I’ve consciously chosen to do differently - because ultimately, I am who I am because of him.
This photo is a special memory for me. He had been through an incredible cancer journey, and we couldn’t believe that just two months after his surgery, he was able to be on his first cruise, on Christmas Day of all days 🙏🏻❤️
My father-in-law has more than made up for anything I felt I missed out on in terms of love and affection. He has been there for me during my darkest times, so I’m incredibly lucky that, when my dad passed away, another father figure stepped into his shoes and showed me how to love a daughter differently.
Our relationships with our parents aren’t always perfect. Sometimes they’re complicated, messy and filled with both good and difficult memories. But I can still acknowledge the good, be grateful for what my dad gave me and honour the part he played in making me who I am today.
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads, stepdads, fathers-in-law and father figures who show up, help when needed, love in their own way and make a difference. ❤️
