On June 17, 2018, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will join in Father’s Day celebrations in Canada and other countries. It is a day when fathers are shown love and appreciation for the role they play in their families as well as the influence they have in society.
While the view of father has changed over the years, research confirms that fathers play an important role in the cognitive, behavioural and general health and wellbeing of their children. They also have the opportunity to model healthy relationships and are teaching and influencing the next generations of fathers. The fatherhood role is extended to grandfathers, foster fathers, stepfathers and uncles.
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The role of father is one that is revered as sacred and noble. Elder D. Todd Christofferson, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, stated, “As a Church, we believe in fathers. We believe in the ideal of the man who puts his family first. … We believe that far from being superfluous, fathers are unique and irreplaceable” (“Fathers,” Apr. 2016 general conference).
Many fathers strive to show that love by spending time with their spouses and children on a regular basis in fun and active ways.
Ashley Arbuckle, a member of a Latter-day Saint congregation in Montreal, Quebec, recalls fond memories growing up with her father, Andy Arbuckle: “One of my favourite memories with my dad would be every year when we would go to Maine. We would spend almost all our days at the beach. Not only did he teach us at an early age how to body surf, but even today (20 years later), he will always stay out in the ocean and race against us. Although it isn’t something grandiose, I’m really grateful for all the laughs, salty water gulps, and the time he put towards building our relationship.”
Andy Arbuckle’s other daughter, April Morin, reminisced about fun times as well: “I remember waiting for him to come home from work and playing with the dollhouse together. I specifically remember him being the `father doll’ and saying he was going to go outside to BBQ some chicken for dinner. Nothing beat playing dollhouse with my dad.”
Reyna Hammond, a member of the Church in London, Ontario, appreciates her dad even more now that she is away at University: “My favourite thing to do with my dad is cook. He cooks all of our big family holiday dinners and always needs help, so I get to spend time with him! This past year I cooked my first turkey dinner at University, and he FaceTimed me so I wouldn’t mess up!”
Thomas S. Monson, former prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, proclaimed, “Some of our greatest opportunities to demonstrate our love will be within the walls of our own homes” (“Love—the Essence of the Gospel,” Apr. 2014 general conference). Father’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to let the men in our lives know how much they mean to us and how important their role is. We appreciate their teachings, example and fun they bring to our families.
Contributed by Leah Davidson