By: Sue Perbody The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a lot of chaos in the world over these past few months. Unemployment is at the highest it has been at since The Great Depression, after successfully reaching an all-time low shortly before. There were essentials that were able to continue working thro...

By: Sue Perbody 

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a lot of chaos in the world over these past few months. Unemployment is at the highest it has been at since The Great Depression, after successfully reaching an all-time low shortly before. There were essentials that were able to continue working through all of the insanity, and it is important to not take these people for granted. Was your dad considered an essential worker during the latest pandemic? I know mine sure was, both at home and in the office.

For those who follow traditional gender norms, the father is the breadwinner of the household. He is the determined hard worker. He goes to work 10 hours a day, 5 days a week, and a short weekend shift, too. He comes home and watches the news, eats dinner, and pays the bills. He watches his usual TV shows, and is asleep on the couch by 9 o-clock. He has a very distinct routine to his day, leaving his freshly cleaned coffee mug next to the brewer every night, for his hot cup of black coffee every morning.

The weekend has arrived, and dad just worked his short Saturday shift. He comes home and mows the lawn, determined to get it done in time for his latest edition of NASCAR. Mom and kids prepare dinner for the family, as dad loads the bags of grass trimmings into the back of his truck for proper disposal tomorrow. A fresh, hot dinner has been prepared, and it’s time for a family bonding moment. After dinner and the dishes, it’s nice to go out on a walk, or stay in and watch a movie. Either way, truly engaging in family bonding is what dad needs most at the end of a long work week.

Our dads work hard to get our families to where they are today. These exact circumstances may not apply to everyone, but it is important to thank that “dad” figure in your life for all that he does. Through all of the pandemonium, your father figure deserves all of the thoughts and companionship that he works hard for every single day.