Friday, Sept 25, 2020, was National Daughters Day and Sunday, Sept 27, was National Sons Day. Plus, it was International Daughters Day. Or maybe Sons Day is Sept 28 every year. I’m not sure because Internet “facts” conflict.
What seems consistent is the date of Son and Daughter day, which is next Aug. 12, 2021. That gives us plenty of time to shop.
I didn’t find much history on Sons Day, but according to the TimesOfIndia.com, International Daughters Day was created to help improve the way girls and women are treated in patriarchal cultures. One source said its origins were as early as 1922. The focus is on raising the societal value of girls and encouraging gender equality. I’m sure RBG would’ve been proud to mail lots of those greeting cards.
Even more semi-official holidays exist to celebrate Earth’s human offspring. Who knew? Well, Facebook, of course.
I figured these were Hallmark schemes to sell more cards, but apparently not. And celebration seems reasonable, given that moms and dads, grandmothers and grandfathers, have their own holidays.
All this is a prelude (ahem. . . excuse) to publicly celebrate (and embarrass) my own son. I love him. After all, he is my flesh and blood. And I like him because of the person he has become, unrelated to our shared DNA.
Without further ado and with apologies to Elizabeth Barrett Browning and my literary friends . . . .
How do I like thee, Blake? Let me count the ways. I like thee for the depth and breadth and height thy character can reach, even when challenged by self-interest. For thy ideal grace, self-control, and good humor under pressure and stress. For treating all thee meet with fairness and respect.
I like thee for thy good sense, especially thy choice to add sunshine to thy family with the bright lights of thy wife Thanh and thy son Bastion. For thy hard work and independence. I like thee freely, as thee demand little, yet give kindness and attention to those around thee, especially to thy grandparents.
And I like thee for the passion and depth of thy thoughts and thy determination to face life head on. I like thee with the breath, smiles, tears, of all my life.
As far as I’m concerned, Blake, you deserve to be celebrated every day. Happy belated National Sons Day 2020.
Twists and Turns 