Father’s 4 Justice and the National Coalition of Free Men, Los Angeles joined hands in the spirit of the holidays to make a giant turn out in the Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks Park. An eight (8) foot snowman loomed large over the days events and his smaller, snowman buddy stood tall too, to proclaim a holiday message that includes Fathers.
Before dawn, we started setting up for the days seasonal, Fatherly festivities. There was such a winter-like chill in the air that our breath was actually visible. A warm coat, some brisk exercise, and thoughts of happy times ahead warmed our bodies and our spirits.
I had a bit of a grinch like attitude earlier in the month as I contemplated skipping this months rally, and pursuing the usual holiday merriment instead, but a little voice in my ear kept whispering that a rally for Dads was needed this month - more than ever. I’m not sure exactly what the suicide statistics are for men and Fathers in the month of December, but given the disgracefully high numbers for a typical year, and the disgraceful lack of care from America, I couldn’t in good conscious let this month go by without saying to the world, “Dads, you’re more than wallets. Youre a blessing, and a gift, for your children, at the holidays and all throughout the year.”
While grinch like judges take pride in grinding down good Dads all year through, we were determined to make it known to all that what judges do to grind Dads and kids down at Christmas in the family law mill would make a nasty grinch hide with shame, because judges steal more from the holidays than grinches could ever do.
Throughout the day, people came and went. They honked, waved, stopped by, and feasted in the seasons merriment and food. By the time Noon came it was once again one of those beautiful shirt sleeve, Southern California days that makes snow birds think of flying off to warmer climes.
The time flew by as we talked with old friends and new, and few of us cared when first we stayed a little longer, then a little longer still. It was later than usual when I got home, and I was tired and sleepy after I cleaned up and had all properly stored. What will I say about a wonderful day filled with friends and good cheer? What will I say about helping a Dad and his kids, instead of forgetting their needs? It is a blessing to work for better lives for Dads and kids, at the holidays and every other day too.
1 Response
Ray
As a father who was raped and discarded for dead on the courtroom floor by all five of his female judges, I always feel grateful for what you keep doing for our plight. It always moves me when others who dont owe us a thing, honor us like this. Not enough can be said about them when its been so easy for our society to step on us like we were so much of a dirt rag to be walked over.
Posted on January 8th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
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