Father’s Day will be here soon. So Different Dream is taking a break from PTSD Awareness Month for a few days to focus on the roles fathers play in the lives of children with special needs. Guest blogger Kathy Guzzo begins the line up with this Father’s Day post about what she saw in the eyes of the fathers she observed at a special needs prom.

Their Fathers’ Eyes

Recently I had the privilege of being part of the paparazzi crowd for a prom given for special needs students and young adults. The anticipation and excitement in the hallway with more than 100 people was contagious as we awaited the arrival of guests by limousines. I joined in the cheers, whistles, and applause as they walked the red carpet.

I was there to take photos of the special guests. However to truly capture the full emotions of the evening, I wished I could have photographed individuals in the crowd, especially as their children were escorted onto the red carpet. I didn’t know any of the families or guests, but if could have watched both the crowd and the guests I’m sure I would’ve been able to identify whose children belonged to whom. Physical traits didn’t give it away. The love expressed in the eyes of parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends did. What touched me the most though were the fathers’ eyes.

What I Saw in their Fathers’ Eyes

Fathers are often given a bad rap as the stereotypical guys who sit back, write a few checks, relax and observe events like graduations, weddings, and proms without really participating. Yet that evening fathers clapped, cheered, took photos, and smiled from ear to ear. Even the fathers who weren’t as animated said so much with their eyes. They were celebrating because their children were treated with respect, as people who matter, as beautiful the way God made them, not looked down upon for their differences and disabilities.

Their fathers’ eyes sparkled with joy, beamed with pride, overflowed with an abundance of love, and a few glistened with tears. The dads weren’t seeing people with physical or mental disabilities. They saw their precious daughters looking like princesses walking the red carpet. Or their handsome sons, their buddies with their heads held high, distinguished in their tuxedos. They saw the children they had dreamed of loving, supporting, and protecting. The unconditional love of the fathers was inspiring.

What I Saw in their Fathers’ Hearts

These dads may have struggled with the changes in their roles when told of their children’s special needs. They’ve probably asked a lot of what if, how, and why questions. They may have been overwhelmed with the responsibility of meeting their needs. Yet their commitment, love, and devotion to their children are evident in their eyes.

Fathers aren’t usually asked how they feel or how how special needs challenges are affecting them. But on that special evening, the pride, gentleness, and love I witnessed in the eyes of the fathers made me want to stand up and applaud them, to thank them for being exactly what their child needs. Not necessarily super dads, but fathers who were present, compassionate, available, and willing to share in the exciting moments of their unique children’s lives.

Your Father’s Day Tribute?

Would you like to recognize the father who’s making a difference in the life of your child with special needs this Father’s Day? The comment box below is waiting for your Father’s Day shout out!

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