Daughter of the Star

I am the daughter of the star. Truly I am...My dad's name in Arabic means star. This Sunday marks Father's Day here in the US. I dont think there is a father's day in Egypt, despite it being a patriarchal society. We all celebrate Mother's day with the frill but then Father's day rolls around and we're all too busy trying to find time to celebrate or find a different color tie. I even got a phone call to attend a Cirque du Soliel show with friends. When I mentioned it was Father's day...the person said go celebrate and come after. On Mother's Day that would be completely unacceptable but it's okay on Father's Day? Okay whatever.

So this blog is a tribute to my dad and father like figures. First.--Mr. Star himself. It's no accident his name in arabic means Star because he is a star on every level. My dad is older, but he still has that childlike quality in him that brings out an adventurous side in him. Going on family vacations is fun because he is willing to explore new places and food. yes, he maybe in bed by 9pm but the adventure during the day makes up for sleeping early. He is a great source of wisdom and I can go to him with any issue no matter how uncomfortable it may be. My friends also enjoy speaking to him. He reaches out to people and tries to encourage no matter what they're doing in life. I remember when we were searching for colleges for me to attend. He made sure he ate in every school cafeteria and spoke to students to get a feel for campus. I was embarrassed, but he didn't care since he wanted to make sure that the school I attended fit my personality (and also not get sick from the food). One thing is that he always encourages you to do the right thing, keep the peace with people...something that can be difficult especially when you're hurt by someone. He's fun to be around and I think I'm lucky. I'm not nearly the Star that he is.

Now to all the other 'fathers' in my life...the priests who we call Abouna our Father. Many of them have taken on that father figure role for me...spiritual father....there are few that know me inside and out and when the formality between priest and congregant is taken away, you truly see that fatherly figure in them. They have so many people to look after in the congregation, so I am touched when they reach out to me to see how I'm doing, or have a very candid conversation about what's going on in my life, or even better--just hanging out like normal people. I know priests, especially in the Coptic Church, are pulled in million different directions, but it's those times when you have a gathering or just ask your priest 'let's go out for coffee'...where the father/daughter father/son relationship is shown. So I appreciate the priests out there who have taken me under their wing as their spiritual daughter...

I'm not only a daughter of the Star but also of the King of Kings. Happy Father's Day!