Reflections On My First Father’s Day

By Calvin Dyson

On my first Father’s Day, I can’t help but think of my own father. A man I’ve heard everything about, but sadly, I don’t remember. When I was just a baby, he was shot and killed in the line of duty.

Today, I feel more connected to my father than ever before. I now know from experience a father’s love. In these last 10 months, I’ve known a feeling I’ve ever known. I’ve felt love, accountability, and responsibility, for a precious boy I now call my son.

Ah, I think this is what my father must have felt when he was alive.

Now, more than anything, with this newfound purpose in my life, I simply want my adopted son to know he can do anything in this world. In these past months, he’s grown in ways he couldn’t have dreamed of before. He’s learned a new language and is preserving as hard as he can through school. I often remind him, that no matter how hard it feels, he’s smart, he’s intelligent, he’s hilarious, he will succeed. And I will be right here with him.

I remind him that from the very beginning I knew he would be my son. But the experience wasn’t easy. I went through the strenuous process of paperwork and travel before I brought him home. I want James to know the blessing he is and that I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

James thought he’d never get adopted before meeting me. And now I am always in awe of his pride in being my son. He always says, “I love you Dad” and gives me hugs, even in front of his friends. My 13-year-old is not embarrassed to express his feelings and I am proud of him.

If you are thinking about hosting or adopting a child, just as unique and resilient as my James, don’t wait. Do it now. I will volunteer my help.

Because of James, I’m extremely happy to celebrate my first Father’s Day! To all Dads, Happy Father’s Day!