Happy Father’s Day
Don’t Forget the Men in Your Life
It’s easy to write meaningful, touching things on Mother’s Day, but dads are tougher. Touchy/Feely stuff just doesn’t fit as well. Nonetheless, the fathers of the world and specifically the dads in my life deserve some kind words, good thoughts and a day to relax. As I write about them, I hope that all of you out there can extend these good wishes to yourselves and to the fathers in your life.
I don’t talk about my father all that often on the site, but I think about him every day. If I ever started I could probably fill pages and pages with stories of how he taught me lessons, guided me into adulthood and managed to get through 20 years with me under his roof without ever once popping me in the mouth. I used to say that my greatest dream in life would be to one day have children who looked at me half the love and admiration I have for my own father. Now that I have two boys of my own, that dream has become my daily goal. I can’t possibly thank my father enough for the patience, love and trust he brought to my life. Instead, I can only do my best to pass those things onto my own boys. With a lot of luck, I just might be able to do half as well as he has.
In addition to my father, I have been lucky enough to have a number of other dads in my life. Growing up I had a handful of grandfathers and uncles who all taught me important lessons. I am actually fortunate enough to still have two grandfathers alive at the age of 40. Watching them growing up I don’t think I appreciated the hard work and sacrifice that these men made part of their daily lives. I certainly appreciate it now and consider my boys fortunate to have great-grandfathers in their lives.
Becoming a father has been the single most amazing thing to happen to me. It has changed my world in ways too profound for any words to convey. I have also been fortunate enough to have a close relationship with my sister’s husband. They have a sone just a few months younger than my youngest and he and I have had fun learning the perils of fatherhood together. Since I never had a brother, he has always filled that role in my life and now we get to watch our sons grow up. I am quite grateful to have him in my life.
In addition to these fathers in my life I know that a number of you reading are also dads, granddads, sons, husbands, brothers and all of the other titles given to men lucky enough to have such family bonds. Over the years I have talked with a number of you about many things. I know that many of you have sons serving overseas. I know what they mean to you. When my mother was sick a number of you shared stories with me about your own families. I’ve had discussions with several of you about your own fathers, brothers, sons, husbands and other important men. I thank you for sharing those stories with me. They remind me that we all share common bonds and helps keep me focused on the important things in life. To all of you I say Happy Father’s Day. I hope that the people in your lives make today special for you.
It would be impossible for me to share Father’s Day feelings without addressing the three people closest to me. My wife and my two sons make this day incredibly special to me. Long before I was a father, Mrs. Rog has made every day special for me. This site and everything I have was built on her strength, understanding and support. That she is willing to share all of this with me and brought our sons into this world never ceases to amaze me. Our boys have been a constant source of light in my life and I can only hope to give them back a fraction of the love and joy they give me on a daily basis. I always knew that Father’s Day would take on a special meaning once I became a dad, but I never in a million dreamed that I could be as proud of anything as I am of them. This may be “my” day, but it wouldn’t be possible without my beautiful wife and amazing children.
Happy Father’s Day!!!
