Father or benefactor?

Is it right for a man to be called a father if he only provides material things for his family? In that case, beggars should call the generous ones family.

Being a father doesn’t only mean being the biological father of a person. It also means that he is there when his children need a hug, or helps them solve a science equation problem, or is simply someone that they can talk to.

Now let me tell you some differences between a benefactor and a father.

When a child is still a new baby, a benefactor will worry financially and start bothering the mother about what name the baby will be given. A father, on the other hand, will try to enjoy the first few days with his child.

When a child’s birthday comes, a benefactor will throw a grand party but will not be there to celebrate with the child. But a father will take his family to a nearby park or to a restaurant to dine in order to celebrate the occasion.

When a child gets a medal, a benefactor will tell the child to study hard and try to get a scholarship so there will be less burden when it comes to buying material things, while a father will display the medal and boast about it to everyone he meets.

When a child gets a grade of F in a subject, a benefactor will try to get the best mentors to teach the child. But a father will teach the child himself.

When a child fails to meet his standards, a benefactor will threaten to withdraw support from the child. A father, however, will gladly accept that this child is his and he will be proud no matter what.

And when he goes home, a benefactor gives the most expensive things to the child but still doubts whether he is loved by the child. But a father brings home nothing and still knows that he is loved.

Men nowadays tend to forget the true essence of being a father. Children try to find a father in a friend, a pal or a lover—but know it is different if it is truly their father.

Ma. Althea Gabrielle M. Benedictos, 15, is a high school senior at the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA.