Dear, Dads - Thank you

Okay dear readers, it’s time to celebrate those we look up to or simply admire as good fathers and positive male role models. The flowers and special dinners of Mother’s Day have passed and many of us are gearing up for the cliched fishing, grilling, and pursuit of a good sports game or power tool for Father’s Day celebrations. Whether you are a father by blood, or by bonus, Happy Father’s Day to the brave and courageous men working and striving to be a shining light and support in the lives of the children you love and cherish. No matter your age or which part of your parenting journey you are on dear dads, thank you for all you do.

I’ve said it before - parenting is not easy. For single fathers, it is not the societal norm raising children alone and is a different story altogether being a “package deal,” as a man with custody of his child/ children. To those raising their own and to those who openly accept someone else’s child as theirs to teach, guide, nurture, protect, and support in multiple ways - kudos to you. The laughs, tears, frustration and fears of parenting are very real so be sure to take care of your health on every level in every way. What you do as a father, as a dad, matters and I hope you see the benefit of your efforts paying off in the lives you are guiding into adulthood.

Though my mom was ultimately a single parent I was blessed to have a bonus dad in my early years. His relationship with my mother did not last but, I am forever grateful that he opened his heart to me and my sister in ways we did not experience with our natural fathers. He is a man who was not too proud to show up and be a dad to children who were not his by blood. I tell you dear readers, girls need good fathers just as much, and in some cases, more than boys. As children we all need someone to teach us responsibility and good character. We need to be taught what to look for in a potential spouse. We need someone to set the standard of how to treat others respectfully. Someone to help mold us to be a productive citizen. Having a good father helps us to learn these things in a safe way.

Men who go beyond the title of father to be true dads are a blessing in the lives they touch. For the men I personally know in the categories of Bonus Dads and Super Dads, you guys rock, and I pay tribute to you. You love unconditionally and strive to be your best self even on your worst days. You are humble, you have a pursuit of faith, you do not take things for granted. I am blessed to know each of you. I am proud of you and honored to be a big cousin to a few of you, to have Big Bro support of another, and a nurturing friendship and objectivity of a hero - yay Superman! To my brothers-in-law, thank you for supporting my sisters and loving children you did not bring into this world. To the Super Dad I have by my side, your efforts are not in vain and you are a wonderful man and father - thank you for everything you do, have done, and have walked with me through. All of you guys are awesome so I give you flowers while you can still smell them. I love each of you in my own way and hope that you continue to grow as men of sound character, strong faith, and nurturing spirit. Moreover, I hope that those you serve as a parent will in turn do the same.

Blessings to you,

Tasha