Real Father's

There are many things to notice about life as we travel along it's highway. For instance, have you ever notice what we say after a holiday? At Christmas we say “Merry Christmas” leading up to Christmas Day and then we have a mind shift and “Happy New Year” becomes the greeting of choice. We say “Happy Thanksgiving” and “Happy Valentine's Day” with relative ease of flow in conversations without any real attachment or personal thought. The phrase that carry's all the meaning of personal stories for most is when we say “Happy Father's Day”.
This day is highlighted by stories of buying a new tie for dad or some other trivial matter on the surface but the meaning behind the gift is significant! While not everyone has an attachment to their father, and not everyone has pleasant memories the personal meaning and relationship for many of Father's Day is one day each year that we make sure we acknowledge that most impacting individual in our lives.
When folks say how was your Father's Day, many are only thinking about individuals who are biological father's and often times we forget about those that assumed the role for the benefit of a child without consideration for themselves. They became “Dad's” because they saw themselves as someone who could a difference if they just gave. Marriage creates lots of step-father's and in some of these instances there is a real love and relationship that is built, developed and shared by both child and parent. Yet, in other relationships it is a matter of no legal obligation, or family history or association. It is simply “what it is”. A developed relationship between an adult and a child that was nurturing, caring, provided not only the basics but most or many of the extra touches of life too. Those relationships are often looked over during this time of the year by some who consider themselves to have an earned title of “Father” and for whatever reason they do not consider those other guys to really be father's, but actually they are.
Being a father is about working to see there is always a light shining on a darken path so a child can make it through the dreary of night. Being a father is about sacrifice. Honestly this part is not about a single moment, but it is about a life time of putting yourself somewhere else on the list so that you can enjoy a big smile and happy spirit that is moved deep inside you witness the accomplishment of that child you love and care for. Being a father is about a lot of not hearing “thanks” in the early years, but prayerfully the latter years are filled with that expression for a truly grateful heart knowing the difference that was made.
Yes, Father's Day has passed for 2011, but the role of Father's continues pressing forward, moving along without a hitch or a bump in the road. They were up fixing breakfast this morning, or out warming up the car or turning the air conditioner on as the case maybe. Real dad's were making a phone call to just check in or dropping of that something special that always makes you smile. While the day is young and time is opportunity I would encourage you to acknowledge those you know that have earned their cards on Father's Day. Those that have never flinched in giving of themselves or have never looked back in making sure the real need of life was met without any fanfare or parade.
It takes a lot to be a father and for those that are known as “old man”, “pops” or “dad”, I salute you! Thanks for making a difference and for assuming a the bedrock role of every family and the foundation from which life is grown. A strong, undeterred, resolute dad that loved.

Until then