To the Father figures who help us find our way
As Father’s Day approaches, I find myself reflecting on the many ways father figures have helped shape who I am today: steering me, teaching me, and cheering me on.
It all began with my dad; Ian, who taught me to surf—not just how to ride a wave, but how to face life’s unpredictable tides. He showed me patience, resilience, and the sheer joy of feeling connected to nature’s energy. Trusting the ocean, trusting myself.
Then there’s my stepdad, Peter. Weekends practicing parallel parking and highways—behind the wheel, he instilled confidence, focus, and the freedom to explore. Every mile a lesson, every turn a step toward independence.
I have to mention my father-in-law, Brian Folbigg. When he welcomed me into his family, he also welcomed my passion for sailing. To be invited on weekend outings and adventures to Lord Howe Island, to feel the wind and salt on deck alongside the rest of the family—it’s the kind of generosity that creates belonging, and memories that last a lifetime.
And of course, I can’t forget my husband, Jon. Watching him step into fatherhood has been one of the greatest joys of my life. Together we’ve navigated the ups and downs of raising our children, sharing the late nights, the laughter, and the lessons along the way. His patience, sense of fun, and unwavering love have not only shaped the kind of father he is but also the kind of partner I’m grateful to walk beside. Seeing our children grow with his guidance reminds me daily that fatherhood is about presence as much as it is about wisdom.
Father’s Day, for me, is a moment to say thank you—to these remarkable men for the different ways they’ve shown me what it means to grow, learn, navigate, and belong.
I imagine you might be thinking of your own father figures now. Perhaps it’s your dad cheering from the sidelines, a mentor who showed you the ropes, or a friend who stepped in with steady support. What do these extraordinary people mean to you?
Maybe this year, Father’s Day will be marked by a simple conversation, a shared activity, or an old favourite memory retold over a cuppa. Or perhaps it will be a deeper moment of gratitude for unseen guidance, kind words, or silent strength.
So I’d love to ask you: What does Father’s Day mean to you, and how will you celebrate it this year? Whether it’s a card, a phone call, a sail on the water, or simply a quiet reflection, honouring these relationships matters.
Here’s to the father figures, by blood or by choice, who teach us how to ride the waves, steer our own course, and feel at home wherever the wind might take us.
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