Father's Day Without A Father

We certainly don't have much support or understanding on Father's Day and Mother's Day for people who've lost a parent. The non-stop marketing of the holidays can really get you down. There is no simple way to both celebrate the parent you had and grieve them. America's not too good on grieving I find.

As an adult without my mom and dad alive anymore, I can handle it, but my heart really does go out to kids who have lost a parent and the many references to the holidays in school, by friends, by other groups they come into contact with -- church, girl scouts, boy scouts, you name it -- it's just plain tough for them.

Next time you casually ask a kid "What are you getting your daddy for Father's Day?" only to find out they don't have a father, think about it.