I never got to have a real Father’s Day with my dad. Every year, we had a gd family reunion originally planned by someone incredibly selfish (my mom’s dad’s mom). Before I was born, and after her husband died, she declared that everyone should spend Father’s Day with her as an annual family reunion. Only half of their kids were even hers, but they were all still expected to dote on her for the day. She had zero regard for any of the family members who had living fathers. I was only nine when she died. Several people could never come to the reunion because of the holiday. Yet, the damn thing is still (as far as I know) on Father’s Day. There are 52 weekends a year and only 8 are major holiday weekends, depending on the calendar (New Year, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Xmas). But she had to have that one. And then no one had the balls to change it, even after she died. Her selfishness* still haunts me.
So, Father’s Day stuff is just about as hurtful for me as Mother’s Day stuff. At least no one wishes me a happy one.
*And by contrast, my grandfather was generous and kind and loving.