Make Way for Ducklings, and Dads

Why is it that all around the world, in nearly every culture and creed, father figures are so quickly discounted as doing less than their share? It’s impossible to any accurate blanket statement that would either condemn or praise all male parents across the board, but in all fairness, I think that they at least deserve a bit more credit for their efforts; It’s no easy role to fill in the first place. In fact, it was just the other day that I spotted an extraordinary sight of a father going above and beyond the call of duty, leading two young daughters away from a busy road and out of harm’s way.

Sure, this may seem like a mundane event to most people, but in the duck world, such an act is unheard of. Males in this species are usually completely uninvolved in child care, concerned more about their next meal or mate than those tiny squawking fuzz balls. But no, not this determined duck- Waddling at a moderate speed, hat bobbing up and down like a dashboard knick-knack, it would have been easy for him to outrun his spawn, and yet he slowed his pace instead. Distant at times but always keeping an eye on his two daughters, it was clear that he would have been close to them no matter the physical distance.

Pausing for a heartbeat, the two little ones saw their opportunity and huddled in close, seeking the warmth and protection that only this parent could provide. Seeing them meander slowly to a safer patch of green field together and disappear within the long grass, I realized how lucky I was to have a dad who was just as dedicated to his parental duties. Not a trained seal who can act on command, these men simply follow their heart, and it’s often in the trivial, everyday occurrences that many show their love.

Happy Father’s Day to everyone out there. I just hope that you have someone just as special to celebrate as these myself and these little ducklings.