RicelandMeadows

Father’s Day

June 19, 2011

 

     Today is a day set aside to honor our fathers. It goes without saying that the honor goes to grandpas and great grandpas too. It also takes in our other father or father-in-law.

 

     A father is a nice title but perhaps a bit presumptuous. The father is the sire of the offspring, who has the DNA to prove it. A dad, may also be the father, but for sure he is the guy who loves and nurtures us.

 

     Dad is the guy who chases monsters out of the closet, digs out a splinter and can fix all sorts of stuff. He helps mend broken toys and even broken hearts. You can rely on him to pull you through at the last-minute. He helped to instill that inner voice that keeps you from doing wrong. He is always on your side, in your corner and behind you, every step of the way.

 

     Dad is the guy who was tough on you. He taught you responsibility, even when you didn’t want to learn it. He put you on the school bus, watched you graduate, walked you down the aisle or witnessed your wedding. Dad stood strong, often with a big lump in his throat or perhaps tears spilling over, but he wouldn’t have missed it for the world.

 

     Fathers come and go, but a dad is forever. He loves you no matter what. He gets a bad rap sometimes for being the punisher, but even in that mode, his love is poured out. It might not show at the time, but it really does hurt him more than it does you 😮

 

     I was fortunate enough to have a dad, as well as, a couple of step dads who cared enough to mentor me along the way. I also have had many father figure type guys to guide me as well. These are men that I am very fond of today. Those men cared enough to look out for me, watch over me, teach me and set a good example for me to follow. I am forever in their debt.

 

     A few of those guys were family friends, one was an old boss and several are uncles. My mom’s youngest brother keeps close tabs on me still today … and I like that.

 

     As you take time today to honor your father, say a special thank you to another male influence in your life. Maybe he was your baseball coach, a teacher, an old guy who fixed your bike or the father of a close friend, but take time to acknowledge him today.

 

     Now, for all of you who have a dad in your life, give him a hug, in person or by phone. Tell him how much he means to you … but don’t worry if you can’t find the words … dads know. The best thing you can do is learn from your dad. Exemplify his strengths, forgive his weaknesses and love him with all your heart … because I will tell you all now … He sure loves you!