Happy Father's Day

It is easier for a father to have children than for children to have a real father.

~ Pope John XXIII

I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection. ~ Sigmund Freud

Dad, your guiding hand on my shoulder will remain with me forever.

~Author Unknown

There's one sad truth in life I've found

While journeying east and west -

The only folks we really wound

Are those we love the best.

We flatter those we scarcely know,

We please the fleeting guest,

And deal full many a thoughtless blow

To those who love us best.

~Ella Wheeler Wilcox

I grew up with a father that was seriously overlooked when the parenting skills were passed out. Yet, for all that he lacked as a father, I couldn't have asked for a better grandfather for my children than what he proved to be. I used to have a complete series of feelings that would surface with every thought of him. They ranged from hate, anger, pain, disgust and even jealousy. Yes, you read it right..... 'jealousy' . I was so jealous of other people's children because he was always so sweet and tender with them, as I stood there watching and crying inside because he never showed his own children that side of him. He died 29 years ago and I mourned for the father I never got to have.

I gave my children the ultimate gift of a father that was the carbon copy of my father. Now I ask you, how thoughtful is that? Instead of leaving him the many times that I wanted to, I waited until Tersie and Chris were grown and on their own before I grew that all important backbone and walked out the door. I have to tell you, I carried a lot of regrets and guilt for not leaving him when my children were small. I am reminded time and time again, that when it is said that a person is 'a product of their upbringing', it isn't necessarily a bad thing. I used my father as an example of the parent I didn't want to become. I watch Tersie and Chris' parenting skills and know that the same is true for them.

With that said, I need to tell you that I was blessed the day that JD became a part of my life. He is the caring loving father my children never had. He was already the father of 4 children from his first marriage, now he is the father of 6.

I have a special request of all the dads out there that may read this post. Please be the kind of father to your children that you would have liked to have had or the the loving father that you had (if you were fortunate enough to have that kind of father).

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!