For years I have heard this same response from the majority of fathers “Children don’t remember Father’s Day as they do Mother’s Day.”

Not only have I heard this from fathers, but also from merchants who observe every year, in retail, that Mother’s Day gets bigger sales compared to Father’s Day. Why is this so?

Various reasons might contribute to this. First of all, when I take a look at today’s immediate family, I see that the father is often not there. Statistically, it’s not just in our small town, but all over the world.

He might not be there with his immediate family because of several reasons. Some could include the fact that he could be off to war, locked up in a penal or mental institution, in drug rehab or he may be deceased.

Then also he might just be in denial as to the child’s existence, as to say it’s not really his offspring. Then lastly, with the rate of divorces, he might be entertaining another family.

Now those reasons, with the exception of being deceased, just might be why fathers are not given the recognition they need.

There are so many things being missed by the father, who too should be able to share the joy — experiences like changing a diaper, taking the child to get his first haircut or to a ball game, and even just being in the audience as he graduates.

We all know that children do not hatch from eggs, nor are they beamed down from creation, but that they are created with two parents. The absence of a father, in today’s time, seems to be a natural thing, but that isn’t so.

Biblically, there is to be a father. Whether you are the natural father, stepfather, play father, or just a fatherly figure, your presence is a must in a child’s life.

Fathers should be respected in every instance, and their absence should not be justification for a child who does not honor his/her father.

The Bible tells us to honor our fathers. It tells us that even though the father may or may not be living up to his responsibility, children are still to respect their fathers and give them the honor they are due.

So whether or not he is not living up to what God has charged him to do; you do your part and your blessings will follow. Even though there are many reasons that fathers do not get the popular votes and respect as mothers, there should not be any excuse for children not showing him the respect he deserves.

In reality, he is half the reason for children’s existence. Whether he is out of reach or out of touch, still show him that he is respected.

I know that children will not read this, so the responsibility falls upon the mother. You know moms, you too have a responsibility when it comes to Father’s Day. You should train and teach a child to respect his father.

While the child is young, take them to the store and allow them to pick up a card or a personal gift. Not only will this be a learning experience for the child, but it will make the father feel needed and wanted. It will also make him realize the importance of being a father.

Beverly Gibson is a Ferriday resident.