Dear Hallmark. . . 3 Card Categories to Add For Father’s Day

When it comes to cards, I’m usually late.  I have good intentions, really I do, but somehow between life and my multitasking proclivities, I forget.  Thus resulting in me, running into Walmart for a last minute expression of love.

Father’s Day is no different, except I know in advance I probably won’t find heartfelt words to fit my father daughter relationship.

“You’ve always been there for me.”

“Throughout my life, I could depend on you . . . “

“Thank you for always making time for me.”

Captions like these leave me fumbling through card options looking for words that sort of kind of work – but not really.  Ten minutes turn into thirty and I end up choosing a card that will just have to do.  And every year, even though the card I need does not exist, I keep coming back like it does.  So this post is my cyber suggestion for some Father’s Day card alternatives.

Category # 1:   For the Father Daughter Relationship That Is Complicated

It’s not that you don’t have anything to say to your dad, because you do.  But when you are together, your bottled up emotions collide with his, producing the loudest silence.  Whether on the phone or eye to eye, the space between you feels impenetrable, filled with things you can’t talk about:

His  availability.

His addiction.

His work obsession.

His pride.

And you struggle to communicate love to a man who does not seem to love you back.  Given this reality, you need a card that articulates the words you can’t seem to say in person.

Dad, sometimes I find it difficult to talk with you.  

I wish things were different.  

But despite the unspoken words between us I want you to know,

I love you.  

 

Category #2: For the Daughter Who Has Never Met Her Father

His looks, likes, and ways are a mystery. You wonder which of your traits came from him.

Do we have the same nose?

Height?

Laugh?

And the possibility that you may never know who your father is, leaves you with an array of emotions.

Discouragement, hope, fear, and anger trade places like a game of musical chairs: bombarding your mind with questions you can’t answer.

Why didn’t he pursue me?

Does he not want a relationship?

What if I never know who he is?

The trauma of his absence reaps a harvest of varying responses; making it difficult to succinctly capture words that every fatherless daughter can relate to.

Some women may deem participation in this holiday unnecessary.  Others might find it difficult to purchase a card for an absentee dad. But there is still another perspective: a delicate blend of forgiveness and hope.

A card from this viewpoint would cradle the dream of a fatherless daughter who yearns to meet her daddy someday.  And although a purchase like this may seem illogical to some, for a daughter searching for her dad, it makes perfect sense.  In faith, this card would be a keepsake, saved for the day you meet your father for the first time.

I have longed to know you, dad.  

When I was a child, the promise of you and I filled my thoughts.   

I envisioned us one day having a relationship,

but when my fantasy met reality,

I became disillusioned with the idea of us.

I lost hope.  

Even still, my spirit has not been completely broken.

I am willing to work on our relationship.  

There will always be a place in me that is connected to you,

because you are my father.

Category # 3 For the Brokenhearted Daughter on Father’s Day

Father’s Day is a time of adoration and affection, but it can also be a source of pain: stirring up feelings of rejection, disappointment, and unfulfilled longing. And at the apex of this agony, God speaks to His daughters.  Whether the relationship is distant, fractured or non existent, He has time tested encouragement that communicates his heart to every woman with a daddy ache.

I want to fill the father shaped void in your soul.

I will secure you.

I love you with an everlasting love.

Before your conception, I envisioned you.

Like a doting daddy, I was there when you. . .

 Took your first step.

Went to Kindergarten..

Kicked your first goal.

Lost your first tooth.

Went on your first date.

I never missed a milestone, and I never will.

I am with you always.

I love you.

Nothing will ever separate you from my love.

You will always be a Daddy’s Girl.

– God –

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