Ode to Fathers

Father's are magical beings. Their very presence evokes a warmth and sense of safety that cannot be duplicated. No other creature elicits squeals like a daddy coming home to his family. No one's reassurance, approval or encouragement means quite so much as that of your father's.

Lack of a father is a MAJOR problem in the life of millions of children in the United States. Not because their fathers died in a tragic epidemic, serving in a deadly war or in a natural disaster. Millions of children suffer from the loss of a father just because the father's don't feel like it. They just don't feel like taking responsibility for their offspring. WHAT???????

There is no question that parenting is hard, hard work. Being a father is wrought with responsibility. Children watch their fathers unblinkingly and strive to emulate their every move. That's pressure, sure, but it's also wrapped in the warmth of adoration. The rewards of fathering are great. Seeing the world through the eyes of a child, your own child, is a precious experience that cannot be duplicated. But thousands of dads miss that. As a result, they're lesser people and, sadly, their children suffer and struggle.

The Center for Disease Control offers a few statistics. (read more on www.menstuff.org) 80% of rapists come from a fatherless household, 63% of teen suicides come from a fatherless household, 71% of pregnant teenagers-fatherless households, 90% of homeless and runaway children come from a homeless household, 70% juveniles in state run institutions, and 85% of children with behavioral disorders come from fatherless households. OUCH.

Now as a mom, it makes me realize that while my job is critical, an important aspect of my job is encouraging my children's relationship with their father. Fortunately, he lives with us, but I know everyone is not so blessed.

At any rate, it shows us the importance of the very presence of fathers. So hug a father today, thank a father today, and say a prayer for all the fatherless children of the world.