Happy Father's Day

to all the wonderful dads I know.

First, there's my dad. Dads in the '50s and '60s weren't as involved in parenting as today. My dad had his own business and because the brunt of the income fell on his shoulders he worked long hours. We rarely saw him, except once a year when we took a vacation did we get to spend any quality time with him.

Time has erased all his stress and crankiness as a result of that pressure. He's a pretty mellow guy these days and really appreciates any connection his kids make. He also understands he wasn't always a "present" father and although he doesn't communicate that, I think he has regrets.The best we can do is all we can expect and for the time and situation, he did what he knew best. However that's all in the past and I certainly enjoy my time with him now. He has wonderful stories to tell, a great sense of humor and a very easy going attitude. He's not a cranky elderly person. He's the friendly one, the one you'd like to have a chat with. He's a great model for me for what is to come.

Then my generation took parenting a step farther. My husband devoted his time and energy to the kids. We can easily say we missed only a handful of sports games and that would have been because we were dividing our time between two kids. He still will drop everything and sacrifice for the betterment of our adult children and now our grandchildren. They mean the world to him.

And then we come to my two most favorite dads of the current generation. I've watched them interact, cry, and love those baby girls. It warms my heart in ways I can't even express. 

My son could easily be a Mr. Mom. He knows his daughter's every need and anticipates what is coming. (he has a good coach, his wife :) He waited for marriage and for fatherhood and it was perfect timing. He is ready to help his child grow and accept the world before her and he will be there every step of the way and always with an unconditional love.

And my son-in-law is devoted to his little girl. I don't imagine he ever thought he would play with dolls and kitchen sets, but he plays like a pro. He is very concerned about raising a polite, well-adjusted, young woman and I don't doubt with his intuition and understanding of people that he will certainly accomplish this objective. She is one lucky little girl to have him for a daddy.

So thank you, fathers, for supporting mothers and guiding children to become their own individual selves.

You truly make a difference.

Happy Father's Day!