This is an old drawing, but this is actually Gris and her father, Berto (short for Roberto).
I know I'm late, but Father's Day and Mother's Day are both very difficult and complex holidays for me. The same can be said for Griselda. But I've always wanted it to be clear that, despite everything, her dad's behavior was never a byproduct of not loving her enough.
I think the relationship between a parent and child is complicated. I'd love to believe that in an alternate world where I'd actually want kids, I'd be open minded once I started realizing they're their own person growing into adulthood and not the child who idolized me and held all the same beliefs as me. I don't think that that's a standard most, if any parents, can reach.
I used to be so confused when it seemed like "perfect" family units still had some of the issues I did, albeit turned down a few degrees. Things like parents just not understanding. Parents freaking out over seemingly small differences. Kids feeling like they need to hide everything. As we grow up, the process of deconstructing and understanding who and what our parents are is a gradual and quiet one. For parents, once we finally start coming into ourselves, behaving differently, I think it's more of a shock to them.
Obviously, I'm not talking about parents who are blatently abusive. I'm not talking about the parents that left you behind. Those people do not deserve this consideration, and I hope people under these circumstances had a chance to spend Father's Day with someone who actually deserved recognition- whether it be found family or just taking time to care for yourself. And I hope if you come across this, it'll feel a little less alienating.
I also want to recognize the people who've lost their fathers, or, even those of you who were fathers who lost their kids. I realize I'm a nobody from nobody town, but on the off chance people with these backgrounds see this too, I hope it's a reminder that there's no one valid way to spend Fathers Day, and even if they're not with you physically, there are a lot of people who know what you're going through. You don't deserve to feel alone or go unacknowledged.
My parents are fucking weird. My relationship with them is hard to explain. But this recent sort of "revelation" helped me understand it a bit better. It helped me feel less bad about the complexity of my feelings. So I thought I'd share.
Whatever this day means to you, don't forget to say "I love you," to anyone who deserves it. Even if it's yourself, even if it's a day late. Even if you find fatherhood through pets.