I grew up without a dad, just a mom and a brother I would say to people that asked.  He left and was not a part of our lives from the time I was four years old. For awhile I felt bad about this, then sometime around my high school graduation I reached the point where I said oh well and decided it was really his loss. I no longer invited him to things or thought that we might meet some day.

I feel very fortunate that I had a wonderful grandfather, and then I married a wonderful man who has an equally incredible father.  I also have an Uncle, on my mom’s side, who has given me support and encouragement over the years..

I see my husband with my son and I am constantly amazed at how much he gives and contributes to his life.  I watch as they play and learn together. It makes me love him even more and feel thankful for this gift of having a family.

My favorite thing about my husband as a Father is how patient he is with our three year old son, who always wants to help.  He let’s him help him and always makes him feel like he is contributing, which makes him feel important and valued.  I know that these interactions with his Father will help his self-confidence and sense of self-worth and help him grow into a healthy and amazing person, and possible future Father himself.

My Father’s Day wish is that all children have the opportunity to have a Father in their lives, and if not their biological father than a teacher, uncle, brother, respected neighbor- someone- even if it is just one person. It is so important to bear witness to a kind, decent, supportive man. With the hope that you will seek that out in your life and/or become that decent man yourself!

Happy Father’s Day to all the good men out there who are not only there, but really there and present in their children and/or other children’s lives.