As radio personality Jason Zammit gets ready to celebrate his first Father’s Day, Coryse Borg finds out that even the responsibilities of fatherhood haven’t killed the child in him.
Father’s Day has been a special day since 1910, when it was founded in Spokane, Washington, by Sonora Smart Dodd. Her father, William Jackson Smart, was a single parent, who raised his six children there. After hearing a sermon about Mother’s Day, she told her pastor that fathers should have a similar holiday honouring them. And the rest is history.
A recent online survey found that mums tend to receive more attention or celebration on Mother’s Day than dads do on Father’s Day
However, the general impression we all have is that Mother’s Day is considered the more ‘important’ occasion, with Father’ Day being a kind of afterthought. In fact, a recent online survey found that mums tend to receive more attention or celebration on Mother’s Day than dads do on Father’s Day.
But one thing’s for sure – a dad’s very first Father’s Day is definitely a special occasion; one to be celebrated, treasured and remembered forever.
For broadcast guru Jason Zammit, this June 16 will certainly be a day to commit to memory. He became a first-time daddy to baby Luke last September, making this his first of many Father’s Days to come.
Before Luke burst onto the scene, Jason’s main kiddie influence was being proud uncle to his niece Amy, who is now three years old. He says she is not only Luke’s best friend, but he finds anything she says or does absolutely hilarious!
Of course, Luke has made an enormous, wonderful impact on his father’s day-to-day life.
“My favourite thing about being a dad is the smile I get each and every morning and when I get back from the office. Priceless,” he says. “My least favourite things have got to be the poo and lack of sleep! If I had to offer any advice to prospective fathers-to-be, it would be this – just keep calm and don’t panic. Nature has a way of taking care of business.”
Jason says that he usually spends Father’s Day with the family, wine, seafood and a nap. This year, of course, it will be extra-special.
“This time round we have plans to hold either a garden barbeque or a picnic. Truth to tell, I was banking on going karting. Funnily enough, when I called the go-karting people, they were quite adamant. Apparently an eight-month-old baby is not allowed to race,” he quips, ever a boy at heart.
“Joking apart, one of the things I’m really looking forward to is the opportunity to spend the whole day with my son. On the agenda? Having a good laugh and making a mess, like all boys are wont to do. Mum can’t wait, I can tell you that much.”
Mum – also known as Krista – got married to Jason in 2007. When asked whether he has changed a lot since the birth of their son, she is quick to say: “No, he’s still the same big kid!”
Well, considering this motorcycle enthusiast, film buff, music junky and altogether fun bloke lists ‘Wookie’ as one of the languages he speaks, the ‘Order of the Jedi Knights’ as his religious preference and ‘Freedom for the Ewoks on Endor Party’ as his political view on his Facebook page... she has a point!
And yes, Luke was named after the Mark Hamill character in Star Wars.
“In 10 years’ time, I see Luke running circles around me while I gasp for air! I also see the both of us queuing to see Star Wars Episode X. In 20 years’ time, I see our relationship much like the one I had with my parents 20 years ago... God help me!
“My greatest wishes for Luke as he grows up? Health, happiness and good friends.”