Happy Father's Day!

To all of you fathers out there far and wide.

We celebrate who you are and how much you mean to us.

I think motherhood and fatherhood are distinctly different, and not just for the obvious reasons.

For most women, we instinctively know what to do when our babies are put in our arms.  Sure, we bumble around reading advice articles and books on how best to do the job and prepare for the role, but there's something innately present that kicks in when we become mothers.

For guys, I think it's different.

I believe men are more dependent on role models to use as guideposts on what to do and how to behave as fathers.

Their relationship with their kids is a direct reflection of their relationship with their fathers.  Sometimes it's to emulate what they had growing up, but many times it's deciding to do just the opposite of what they experienced.

Too many women have had to wear both hats, of Mom and Dad, and thank God, they took up the banner/cross (depending on your perspective) and did what they had to do.

I realize that there are some families that are better off without the father present, when he becomes a destabilizing force, bringing more harm than good.

But in most cases, the reality is . . . guys, we need you.

Even when we're pushing you away.

Whether you're living together as a family, and especially when you're not, we need to know you'll be there, no matter what.

We need you in the lives of your kids.

We need your experiences to guide them to maturity, leading them down the right path.

We need your strength, especially when we're tired and weary.

We need your clear-headedness.

We need your help, even when you stumble and fall.

But most of all . . .

We need your love.

Can we live without you and these things you bring to the table?

Yes.

Is it the best?

No.

So to all of the fathers who questioned your impact or wavered in your fatherhood role, know this, we need you more than you'll ever know.

And . . .

On this day that recognizes and celebrates you, we take this opportunity to thank you, too.

Happy Father's Day!