There is just no substitute for Daddy.  There is nothing else that can fill the space meant to be filled by a good, loving father who is actively involved on a daily basis in his children’s lives, and on a continuing basis into their adulthood.

If you HAVE one of these rare treasures — a father, who from your earliest memory, has been a constant presence in your life, whose love for you has never been doubted for a moment, who continues to love you, is interested in your welfare, and is always ready to help you with anything at any time — you probably think you adequately appreciate it. And you probably think you understand how important and precious this gift is.

But you don’t. Not really. No one COMPLETELY understands the importance of this gift except those who don’t have it. Because it has always been there, you are not even consciously aware of the firm foundation on which you stand and walk — that so very important foundation that is missing from underneath the feet of many others. They feel its absence. And sometimes they look longingly at the one on which you walk.

Do your best. Appreciate it as much as you can and show that appreciation to him every chance you get.

If you ARE one of these rare treasures — these great men who adore their children, show them lots of affection, gently but firmly teach them what they need to know about life, and are always there for them when they need you — you may think that you are just doing your job, and even more, it isn’t even work because you just love your kids so what’s the big deal?

It IS a big deal. You probably think there is nothing that impressive about what you are doing. You probably think that you feel good enough about yourself. But you don’t. Feel even better please, and accept the gratitude coming to you. You just cannot overestimate the importance of what you are doing. You are changing the future for the better. You are making better and happier adults to be a part of society.

And, if you are one of those who missed out on having this gift of Daddy yourself — you are breaking a chain. You are stopping pain in its tracks before it gets to your children. I wish there were more of you. I wish no one had to be without that firm foundation and protection that you are for your children. You are changing the course of your family’s future and guiding them to a better place. As long as your children live — even when they are old and you have gone on — they will be better off, whether they know it or not, just because you were their Daddy.