The earliest memory I have of being in a cinema was when Spider-Man made his first modern cinematic debut in 2002. I was five and remember sitting in the dark with my dad, unsure of everything that was going on around me as strangers hurriedly looked for their seats. My father had practically raised me on superheroes, and Spider-Man was one of the many I was well-acquainted with.
Words couldn’t describe the joy I was experiencing as I anticipated the on-screen appearance of my hero, with my dad reassuring me from the darkness that we were going to have a great time.
When the movie came to a close, I was ecstatic, so much so that I wanted nothing more than to see it again. My father would make this wish come true, only instead of buying another movie ticket, he would find a way make sure that I could see it as much as I wanted.
Somewhere near the cinema was a man who was selling everything from hair brushes to cheap plastic toys, which he lay out on a blanket on the ground. Also among them were several bootleg copies of recently released movies, one of which was Spider-Man. And after a quick exchange, I got to take it home, which I would watch until it stopped working.
That moment was special and it was the start of not only my love for superheroes and comic books, but for movies, which my dad continues to foster.
There are unforgettable moments in a kid’s life that will always stick with them, leaving a lasting impression. A great one can even be a favourite memory for them to look back at, much like the one I just described. Having a dad who sets an example and becomes part of that memory can influence one’s lives and how one acts in the future, perhaps even on how one would want to be when finally becoming a parent.
Bonding with one’s kids to do something that they might love is also among dads’ most important roles. Aside from being the loving protectors of the family, they are the ones who also have a role in identifying something that their child wants to do, as well as fostering rather than discouraging it, of course, so long as it doesn’t hurt anyone. Whether music, sport or cooking, sometimes there is nothing that can feel more rewarding than knowing that you have your father’s love and support.
Moreover, a great father is someone a child can look up to for guidance, being the example that one wants to follow and be like in the future. The world does not have perfect fathers, but there are men who try to be great dads because they know its importance in a child’s life.
This was emphasised by one of my best friends who, after becoming a father, completely turned his life around from what it was when I first met him. He became a better person and when I asked him what drove him to keep his improvement up, he said with utter sincerity: “It’s all for my son”, with eyes that also told me that he wants to give him the world, while also being the example that his son needs.
Fathers can play a key role in a child’s life. They are the ones who can leave a lasting impression, foster a growing passion and become an example for one to follow. The world needs great fathers and it’ll thank them greatly with the generations that they raise.
This photo taken during the weekend shows a memorable scene from the 2002 Spider-Man movie.
– Photo: Rui Pastorin
