I think it was 2010. I think it was spring. I think I was wearing double-denim. I know I was sitting on my friend’s sofa trying to buy sperm.
Actual sperm.
Read moreThe un-held hand - Robin Hadley on Father's Day
It is that time of year when strategies deployed at Christmas, New Year and sundry other ‘national family centred event days’ are taken down from the loft, dusted off and made ready: Father’s Day to my mind, has followed the marketization of Mother’s Day.
Undoubtedly, next Monday’s news reports will give estimations of how many millions of pounds were spent on Father’s Day and how much more was spent on Mother's Day. It would appear that in order to acknowledge biological or social fatherhood a card, a present, and a meal specially priced (and specially defrosted and reheated) is now mandatory. Wherever you go displays inviting you to acknowledge your father or the father of your children abound.
Read moreWalking Past Father's Day - Kenny Smith
My dad passed away ten years ago. When he was alive, for the majority of his life he was cared for by my mum after he had a motorbike accident. Before the accident, we were never a family for commercial celebrations and he wasn't the sort whom the cards wanted to pay homage to anyway. He had four sons and I'm the eldest. Two of us are childlessness. Nevertheless, I've enjoyed being part of the lives of my now grown-up nieces and nephews, turning up on my motorbike to see them, and meantime working hard so I could travel the world and buy a house.
Read moreOne size doesn't fit all
The nature of humans is that we bunch together into our groups where we recognise ourselves in others. We feel safe when surrounded by people who understand us: our thoughts, our lifestyle, our aims and dreams. It can be positive and uplifting to reach out and be amongst those who understand our minds.
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