Happy Father's Day

Today is a day--set aside by Hallmark Cards--where we honor our Dads. The men in our lives who have had an impact in forming our moral integrity, structuring our upbringing and generally helping to raise us right.

I once heard a guy state that "50% of Fatherhood is just being there" and I tend to agree. Lots of men faced with a pregnant wife or girlfriend find other places to be. They panic and leave. They can't handle fatherhood. Other men stick around until things get ugly and then bail out. Just sticking it out is an accomplishment. Because parenthood isn't pretty.

Children are fragile beings who require a great deal of attention and maintenance. They believe the world revolves around them and don't understand when the entire universe is not at their disposal. They are born criminals. It is a parent's job to socialize them.

It's hard work. Torturous for some parents who have difficult teenagers.

The payoff is years down the road. Some day, you watch your own son being a dad and you think, "he's a really good father!" And it dawns on you that he learned it at your feet.

It's not for the faint of heart. Sissies need not apply. Being a father is a hard job and all you get to show for it is a card one Sunday a year. And the undying affection of your children and grandchildren. Good dads make their own cheering sections.

I love you, Daddy.

--Sandee Wagner