Dad, daddy, father, pop, stepdad, uncle, granddaddy, papa, are some of the words that can be used to describe the male parent who helped to raise a child. While most of us think of the man who biologically fathered children, there is much more to raising a child into adulthood than supplying necessary genetic material. Loving the child, taking care of them, keeping them safe from harm, keeping the child fed, clothed, housed, educated, and physically, mentally and emotionally cared for are just a few in a long list of what being a father really means.

We will celebrate Father’s Day this Sunday as usual on the third Sunday of June. This is a day set aside to celebrate the contribution fathers and father figures make for their sons and daughters. One theory behind the origin of fathers’ day is thought to be from a memorial service that was held for a large group of men, of whom many were fathers who were killed in a mining accident in Virginia in 1907. This day is observed with cards and gifts shared with fathers including the ever-popular necktie.

I rank being a dad as one of the best things that has happened in my life. God blessed us with two great sons, and if we had special ordered them, we could not have asked for anything better. Both have grown into fine young men and each day continues to make their mother and I proud of them. I do give her credit for much of this, since many times she was there to make sure they were where they needed to be when I was working. Also, as in most cases, their mom had more patience with them than I did many times.

I thank my Daddy for always making sure we always had plenty to eat, clothes we needed, a warm home and the discipline that I needed to learn right from wrong. We may have not always had what we wanted, but we never were without what was needed and necessary. He also instilled in me knowledge of working hard and doing what was expected, as well as doing things the right way. I firmly believe the work ethic that was instilled in me growing up has very much carried over into my adult life.

As I mentioned earlier, being a father is and has been one of the greatest blessings I could have prayed or hoped for. Watching your kids grow from tiny babies into adults and being there to help them along the way, pick them up when they fall, watch them become their own person and most important loving and supporting them no matter what, is to me one of the best parts of life. Thank you God for letting me be a father.