-The Absence of Fathers

By: Beranne Paul

Sean McCoy and Cristian Simescu wrote an article last fall in the Daily News with a headline “Men pledge to be better father figures, St.Thomas and St. Croix rallies part of nationwide event.” The rallies took place at Emancipation Garden on St.Thomas and Sunny Isle Shopping Center Amphitheater on St.Croix. The main purpose of the rallies was to emphasize fathers need to play a larger role in raising their children.

Is a father’s role just as important as a mother’s? Yes, because a household is never complete without a father. A father is the man who sets rules and sees that they are followed. It’s hard after a certain age for boys to follow rules from their mothers, one reason being that they are much bigger than their mothers, and since they feel more manly and mature, they do not see the importance of following their mothers’ rules. But if a father is present, he’s the man of the household, and his wishes have to be respected. A father is needed to instill good character in his son, for when he becomes a man and has his own family.

A father’s part is just as important as a mother’s. I grew up in a single-parent household for part of my life, so I know how it affects you as in individual. It is a wonderful thing having my mom around to love and support me, but there was something missing in the picture, my father.

Growing up, I made excuses for why my father was absent in my life, but after a while, I realized that excuses do not help, for in my heart I knew that they were lies, and I ended up disappointed. I lacked fatherly love and a relationship with my father, someone who could demonstrate to me how a woman should be treated, to help me make wise decisions about boys. But I feel like I’ve ended up OK without a father because my mom has showed me the importance of being independent, strong-willed and supportive.

From a Biblical point of view, a man is considered the head of the household, for he goes out and seeks a way to provide for his family and be there for them. But in today’s modern society, both partners share an equal role, sharing two halves which contribute to a whole.

My opinion is that a father’s presence is just as important as mother’s, not only because a boy growing up would have someone to look up to, but also he would also have an idea of what role he’d need to play when he becomes a man. “Every father should remember that one day his son will follow his example instead of his advice.”