I recently read an article on a secular site about a single mom who was asked how she feels about celebrating "Father's Day" considering the father of her son was not in the picture. At first she shared how it didn't matter as she was her son's father and mother and it was working out just fine. That even if she wanted his dad in the picture, he didn't want to be. That he had moved on to a new wife and family. I could sense in her writing that she was saying what she thought we wanted to read versus how she really felt. That it, well, sucked. That it's hard raising a kid alone. That for now, because he is 3, not having a dad isn't a big deal but later, when he needs the guidance of a father, when he needs to see what a father, a man should be to a family, who will be his model? I know this young woman can not make her son's father be that dad anymore than I can wave a magic wand and have a husband show up for me. Well, she did say something towards then end about having some strong males in his life and well, that is the key to me. Even though some of us didn't have great dad's (I had a horrible biological and a wonderful step), some of our dad's have passed on (like mine) and some are here, the key is to have those men in our lives that will help nurture, encourage and model what it is to be a man, a friend, a husband and a father. So today, in honor of Father's Day, I say thank you to all the dad's who not only did the right thing in raising their kids but also to the dads who father someone else's kids. Also to the fathers who need to pick up the phone and call their kids...saying I am sorry and I want to be in your life. Thank you also for the single mom's out there trying to be both parents. Thanks to the grandparents and uncles and friends who have stepped in to provide that additional support. Happy Father's Day All!
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