“A Timeless Father’s Day Card”
June 14, 2025
A wave of nostalgia washed over me recently when I stumbled upon a quaint little Father’s Day card that my Mom had given to my Dad in 1955. That year they celebrated as the proud parents of two boys. The card, delicate and slightly yellowed with age, tells a story of love about a young family, and the honor my Mom expressed to her husband and father of her sons.
It’s fascinating to think about the context in which this card was given. In 1955, America was a different place. Families were often centered around the traditional roles of mothers and fathers, with fathers taking on the primary role of provider and mothers nurturing the home. Such was the case for my parents. My dad worked hard to support our family with a steadfast commitment to his role as a provider; my mom worked diligently at home with a faithful commitment to her role as homemaker. The card, a simple token of my mother’s love and appreciation, was a window into history, and poignantly reminded me of the values and societal norms of that era.
The card had a simple cover (see picture) and inside my mom simply penned her name and the entirety of her love for my Dad. It makes me smile to think of my parents exchanging Father’s Day and Mother’s Day cards in the 50’s, because in my growing up years, I heard my parents joke with each other – “You’re not my father” or “You’re not my mother”, which let them off the hook to buy each other cards or gifts on that day.
Of course I have no recollection of my Dad’s parenting style as a young father of two boys, but once I came along, so did the memories of what kind of dad he was. As I reflect on that vintage card, I am filled with gratitude for my Dad. He taught me simple things, such as how to ride a bike, and more sophisticated things such as how to drive a car, how to be a valuable employee, and how to value an education. This is our third Father’s Day without our Dad, but my brothers and I still quote his funny comments and sage advice.
It’s something to think that a simple card could carry such weighty emotions and memories. Now, as I put the card back in its safe place, I am thankful not only for the tangible keepsake but for the legacy of love it represents. In the end, it’s not just about the words penned on a card; it’s about the memories, the laughter, and the unbreakable bonds that tie families together across the decades.
This Father’s Day, consider the fathers in your life, and perhaps take a moment to write a card or note that celebrates their unique role in your journey. Just as my mom did in 1955, let us recognize the tireless love and care that fathers provide—their presence, guidance, and humor that shape who we become.