Happy Father's day - I can still remember.

Tonight I have been pondering the paradox of parenthood - such great joy, but at times great sorrow.

I cannot imagine my life without my children Courtney and Liam. Their lives are a gift to me. I love them with an all consuming love that has the capacity to put every other experience on a pail and distant horizon. Not a day goes by where I do not pray for them. Yet sadly even this love is not perfect. I work too much, I am far too impatient, I sometimes struggle to respond appropriately with joy, and often react with undeserved anger because I am stressed and under pressure. But, they love me! And that is enough.

I love the fact that my daughter is still proud of her dad (although the other day when I was invited to speak at her school assembly she did gently ask me if I could do my best to 'walk properly' - I suppose my limp embarrasses her! Ha ha! I could not walk properly, so I asked the headmaster to mention that Courtney's dad had recently had a motorbike accident. She smiled.) As for Liam, I cannot say how thankful I am that he is alive. His short life almost ended a number of times in those early days. I have never prayed so much in all my life! Megan and I still fast every Friday for all children and parents in need. It is a joy.

So, I thank God that I am a father.

Today, however, I also thank God that I am a son. I was born to Donald Ian Forster and Karyn Forster way back in 1972 (the picture shows my dad a few months before his death). This year is the first year in which I shall celebrate Father's day without my dad - he died on the 31st of December 2007. Today I thank God for his love, patience, guidance and nurture.

Happy Father's day dad. I miss you.