Happy Father's Day

A perfect song for Father's Day is by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, "Teach Your Children."  So the lyrics go:

"Teach, your children well...
And feed them on your dreams
The one they pick's
The one you'll know by.
Don't you ever ask them why
If they told you, you would die
So just look at them and sigh
And know they love you."

Dads!  It is your special weekend to be spoiled by your family.   Enjoy it, relish in it for you do so much throughout the year - you deserve this day - Father's Day!  What does your Dad do for you?  Fathers are an important factor in a child's development.  They teach us courage, strength and of course, baby us too.  I've enjoyed always being "Daddy's Little Girl."  Perhaps girls have different relationships with their Dads.  I can't speak from a boy's perspective.  When Dad walks in the room with joking and teasing or to relax with the family around the TV childrens' faces seem to relax with a sense of protection and security from Dad. 

What are you going to do this weekend to celebrate your Dad, Grandfather, Uncles etc?  It's difficult to find that perfect thing to say, "Thank you for all these years together. I think it may be easier when you're little - cute little foot steps to deliver the paper give Dad a big smile.  It still comes down to the same thing it did on Mother's Day - spend time together.  Bask in the love and memories you share.  Tell the funny stories and laugh out loud on the patio for a barbecue.  Play with each other and tickle Dad's funny bone by engaging his inner child in fun activities or let him relax, bask in the glory of his day!

Celebrate the Father's who have gone but still play a large role in our lives.  Do the things they love and smile thinking of doing them together.  It's a day to celebrate all Dads - those with us and beyond.  It's important to show you care.  I think of men as needing tenderness - not known for their love of expressing feelings.  Be sure to commit yourself to knowing your Dad, Grandfather, Uncle etc - talk about history to keep it alive.  Cherish the moments you share with Dad.  These are the days to hold onto!  The quiet wink or the pull of your  pony tail - savor the moments.  Guys, hold onto memories ofplaying catch or building a tree house with Dad.  Whatever the memories, hold them close to your heart.

Lets remember the hugs from Dad.  When Dad gets home, although busy from all the duties of the day - Dad walks through the door and the children light up.  Remember wrapping yourself around Dad's leg and him walking saying, "Where is that Julie?  I know she's around here somewhere."  The room filled with giggles and excitement.  A the while, I'm holding onto his leg while he pretends to not see me.  I remember the "Bear Hugs" which made me feel like I was the most important in your world.

Also exciting is that Dads take a very active role in raising children.  More Dads stay home now and it's fantastic for the whole family.  When a family unit functions like a well oiled wheel, it's magic.  It's to our parents and grand parents we owe gratitude!  Spoil Dad rotten with what he would like to do this weekend.

Thank you Dad for always being here for me and supporting my dreams.  You always knew when words weren't enough and to handle tears you brought ice cream.  Your laugh, wit, strength and humor inspire me always.  May all experience the love from a Father figure to bring a sense of security and stability to your life and fun!

Remember the rest of the song.  When we are grown the cycle is obvious and the rest of the lyrics so poignantly address the process.  So the rest goes:

"Teach your parents well
Their children's hell
Will slowly go by
And feed them on your dreams
The one they pick's
The one you'll know by.

Don't you ever ask them why
If they told you, you would cry
So just look at them and sigh
And know they love you."