Why I Hate Father’s Day (usually)
Every third Sunday of June I hate going anywhere. I hate going out. I hate going online. I hate even talking to people. Every where I turn, I see a sign about Father’s Day, a tweet about Father’s Day, or people walking around with their fathers. Today, I don’t even want to go on Google with Father’s Day ties dominating their interface. 5 years ago,I didn’t have this problem. 5 years ago, I would have celebrated this holiday just the same as everyone else.
I know I am not the only one without a father. Today, it just feels like it.
My father passed away 5 years ago. Since his death, I have tried my best to suppress this fact. After my dad had passed, I cried for an entire week. After that week, I tried not to think about it. By not thinking about that my dad was gone, it was easier for me to move on and continue life in a positive light. While this may have not been the best way to cope, everyone has their own ways of dealing with death. Forgetting was mine.
Instead of blocking my dad from my memory like usual, today I want to remember. I want to remember his passion for entrepreneurship, his kindness towards others, and all of the valuable lessons he taught me. I want to remember a great man.
Looking back to my childhood, my dad taught me so much about entrepreneurship. From a young age, I learned that working for someone else didn’t have to be my only option. My dad supported my family by running two businesses and substitute teaching simultaneously. Not only was he beloved by his students and customers, but everyone he met. I remember that while grocery shopping, he would call the checkers at the grocery store by first name and start up conversations with strangers. Even though thinking “oh my god, how embarrassing” in my teenage years, I have now come to realize why he did these little things. Taking a few seconds out of your day to care about a total stranger can really mean a world of difference.
My father laid the foundation for my entrepreneurial path, and I can’t be thankful enough for this. Whether it was a car wash, a lemonade stand, or painting rocks to sell, my father always encouraged my business mindset. Sometimes he would even let me tag along to sales calls and let me help out in so many different ways. From all of this, he taught me that smiling was absolutely necessary in business. Smiling wasn’t an option; it was just how things had to be done.
“A penny saved, is a penny earned” and “You have to spend money, to make money” where phrases constantly thrown around by my dad. Quotations and little bits of advice were constantly given to me, though as a child, I did not appreciate the usefulness of his wisdom. Today, I look back upon the time with my dad with utmost appreciation and gratitude. My father has had the greatest influence on my values. His early passing has had the affect of allowing me to recognize his principles and morals. He lived for his family and would do anything for his children. He was a happy individual with a great sense of humor, and in many ways I want out of my life the love of family and joy of life that he embodied.
This Father’s Day, I want to remember. I want to remember Michael J. O’Dell; not just my father, but one of the greatest businessmen who ever lived.
Every Father’s day I pretend I’m okay. Every Father’s day I’m not. Today, I could use a hug. To everyone without a father or mother, we can get through today together. Let’s not just get through it, let’s celebrate.
