Happy Father's Day

Let me stop and wish all the fathers who might be reading this a happy Father's Day. Mark Twain said something to the effect that, when he was fifteen, his father was the dumbest man in the world--but by the time he'd reached his mid twenties it was amazing how much the old man had learned in just ten years. Being a parent is one of the most important jobs in the world, and yet it doesn't come with any instructions. But we soldier on, do the best we can, and take our rewards where we find them.

The responsibility of fatherhood never stops. Not when they walk across the stage and take the diploma. Not when they walk down the aisle while you try to hide the tears forming in your eyes. Not when they hand you that little infant to hold for the first time. The responsibility never stops. But neither does the potential for joy.

To my late father, thanks for all you did for me. I never appreciated much of it until you were gone. To my children, thanks for the good times (so many), the bad times (so few), and the love (so constant). To my grandchildren, thanks for the opportunity to spoil you and then give you back to your parents.

Have a great day.