There is an old saying: anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad.
For most of us, the rituals of reassuring our children that the dinosaurs are not going to eat them while they sleep may have long gone. We do not tuck them in anymore.
Yet as they face the uncertainties of life, we think about the need to let them decide for themselves, even when we know what they are doing are not necessarily right. We cringe when they fall, and we teach them to stand up again. To try again.
Raffy Francisco was born with a mild case of cerebral palsy and learning disability. The members of Jesuit Alumni Group Vancouver have gotten to know of him in our meetings. Now 28 years old, Raffy is doing well through the care that his loving parents GG and Maria give him. He does not speak much but he sure gives big hugs. He also likes pretty girls.
Most Monday evenings at the West Richmond Community Centre, you can expect to find Raffy and other young men with disability play basketball. His parents, Maria and GG, and other adults coach them. In the few times I have attended, seeing Raffy fall has a common sight. Egged on by his parents, it is amazing to see him get up again, all on his own.
February 16 2015, GG had just arrived earlier that day from an overseas trip, and despite his jet lag, he decided to play as any father would. That was GG's way of showing his son how much he loved him without having to say a word. It what the Chinese describe as love that goes deep into one's bone.
Perhaps GG was tired from his trip, he loses his balance and falls. He retrieves his eye glasses and wisely proceeds to the bench to rest.
And just as the game was about to continue, Raffy goes over to his father. Without saying anything, gives GG the gentlest of a kiss on his father's forehead. His bent over to look at GG to make sure he was ok. Raffy does not say much because of his cerebral palsy, but that night, he did not have to. It was his turn to show his love for his father, which goes as deep as his bones.
For love is the greatest thing there is. (1 Cor 13:13)
Happy Fathers Day!