The father of my “children” is kind, patient, responsible, careful, fun, and an all round good guy.  He is my own Dear Husband.  I’m so grateful for him and to him.  When he accompanied me in the “delivery room” the first time, he was the first father to have done so in that hospital.  He attended the birth of each of our children, and our miscarriage.  In those times, his stature in my eyes increased so much so that it could never diminish.

As a father, he was not only responsible in providing house and home for the children, he was also a participating parent.  He changed diapers, he played with the children, he read to them, he told stories, and he guided the children in their growth.  Perhaps at some times, I thought I needed more from him, and perhaps the children would have liked more attention, but in retrospect, I see what a wonderful father he was while they were growing up, and still is now in an adult to adult way.

So, thanks, Dear Husband for who you are, and what you do.

To my son who is a new father, I am certain you are an excellent father because you are sensitive to the needs of others.  You are kind, generous, careful, responsible, and attentive.  Your children are blessed in you.

To my son-in-law, the father of three fine boys, I say I admire you and appreciate you.  I see the children look up to you.  I see the work you do.  I see your commitment to your family. I see you reading to the boys, with special voices and drama.  I hear you sing and play the violin with your son.  You have blessed our whole family.

And to the husband of our dear young friend who is as close as a daughter: Your road has not been easy, and the newest twists in that road make it more difficult than ever.  Not only are you a father, but you are about to be a grandfather! You are a man of courage and kindness, patience and forbearance.  I am grateful to you.

My own father, and my father-in-law, both now deceased, were fine men, courageous, faithful, brave, and honest.  One’s father provides the definition of a MAN.  I’m so grateful to the men in my life: father, brothers, sons, and of course my Dear Husband.  It isn’t easy today, and perhaps never was, for men to be fathers, to know, love, and care for their children, while working to provide the basics for them, and maintaining marriage as well. So to those who do their best in spite of all odds, all brokenness, all mistakes, errors, and poor judgment of one kind and another, keep up the good work.  Your own children need you, their mothers need you, and we all need you.