Happy Father's Day !

[LadyFish]

Once a year we gather around to share what our fathers mean to us, what they've done for us, and to reflect upon the investments they've made in us. The leader of the pack, the head honcho of the household, the strong one who keeps things together. What does Father's Day mean to you? Do you think you can sum it up? Father's Day is something we recall for fathers past, present, and future. But a father is only a father who fathers his children. <br /><br />For some children, Father's Day is a great time of the year, where they get to do something that says "Thanks Dad for all you've done!" For other children, it's a dreadful time of year, because maybe they grew up without a father. Not all young men and young ladies are fortunate enough to have had a father that has met all of their needs. Either dad was missing, or dad was missing. No, that's not a typo, that's was purposely written. Some dad's are literally missing from their child's life, and some dads, although present, are just not there for their kids. <br /><br />My special thanks to all you father's out there who take your responsibility serious and are compassionate about your role in your children's life. Your child needs you. <br /><br />A VERY special thanks to those of you who have fathered someone else's child, you're a special breed.<br /><br />I was fortunate to have a father who was there and although it's impossible for me to be with him today since he's so far away, I will call to remind him of how much I love him and what a huge impact he's had on my life.<br /><br />I feel sad for all you fathers who do care and have done the best you could, who truly want to be with your children today and can't for whatever reason. I hope you can at least be in touch by phone or receive a card of thanks.<br /><br />To wonderful father's everywhere, I hope your day will be a special one, and I hope you will make it special for your father, or someone, who in your life, you think of, love, and respect as a father. It's not an easy job being a father and I admire all of you who are that special ray of sunshine in your child's heart.<br /><br /><br />

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Happy Father's Day !

Thanks LF and I want to add.<br />____________________________________________<br />Before I was myself you made me, me<br />With love and patience, discipline and tears,<br />Then bit by bit stepped back to set me free, <br />Allowing me to sail upon my sea,<br />Though well within the headlands of your fears.<br />Before I was myself you made me, me <br /><br />With dreams enough of what I was to be<br />And hopes that would be sculpted by the years,<br />Then bit by bit stepped back to set me free, <br /><br />Relinquishing your powers gradually<br />To let me shape myself among my peers.<br />Before I was myself you made me, me, <br /><br />And being good and wise, you gracefully<br />As dancers when the last sweet cadence nears<br />Bit by bit stepped back to set me free. <br /><br />For love inspires learning naturally:<br />The mind assents to what the heart reveres.<br />And so it was through love you made me, me<br />By slowly stepping back to set me free.<br />___________________________________________<br />And for you first time fathers.<br />___________________________________________<br />Fantasies, like words, await what's real,<br />Anchored only when attached to things.<br />The dream of fatherhood, that long-sought dawn,<br />Has now become the light of early morn,<br />Exact and merciless in what it brings:<br />Riches to which one can only kneel.<br />'Mid all the truths the package will reveal,<br />Sensing well the wonder as it sings,<br />Drawing well the world to which it's drawn,<br />A love beyond all words will give you wings,<br />Yielding joys beyond what you can feel.<br />____________________________________________<br />Happy Father's Day to all iboats Fathers.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Happy Father's Day !

Thats so true LF.<br /><br />And Thank You very much.

 

[JB]

Re: Happy Father's Day !

Thanks, LF. <br /><br />Today all of my 4 children, my former wife (LOML), several grandbuddies and some significant others are gathering at The Hideout. First time we have all been together in a few years.<br /><br />Also got the word today that another great grandbuddy is on the way. <br /><br />In addition to my Dad, who was the kindest man I ever knew, today I remember two stepfathers and a surrogate father who helped mould me to what I am. My first stepdad was a model Dad, my second was a non-father. My surrogate was probably more of a surrogate granddad. . .the wisest man I ever knew. Born a slave, "Uncle Jim" Willis lived to 110. He taught me how to adapt to my environment and to respect all people.<br /><br />My thanks to all of them, even my step-non-dad who taught me how much a fathering style affects who the fathered becomes.<br /><br />Best wishes to all you fathers, grandfathers, great grandfathers, stepfathers and most of all, surrogate fathers out there.