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Being a parent is a sometimes thankless job. Good parents not only dole out love and fun; they also need to provide structure, discipline, and other things that kids may not appreciate until they have their own children. IF they have their own. Father's Day cards seem to focus on what some executives see as the essence of fatherhood - cooking up a good hamburger on the barbeque, operating power tools, or donning a tie to go off to work. While these things may be part of fatherhood for some, they don't get to the heart of what children and spouses count on. They aren't the main things that people speak of when they talk about the dads in their lives.
The Arias children think that they have the best dad. "Our dad is our best friend, our superhero when mom is mad, he fixes everything with love and he makes us laugh all day. He is not only the best dad ever, he is the best truck driver in the world! We are so proud to have you as a father. Thanks Daddy for all you do for us...Happy Father's Day!!!
With love, Martin (17), Lucas (13) & Matias (8)
"Selflessness is the quality I find most notable in both my husband and my own father, but how do you capture that in an image? I suppose the perfect greeting card for my husband would show him early every morning, making pancakes, dancing around to music, brushing our son’s teeth, all while holding our baby and starting our daughter’s nebulizer for her morning breathing treatment. As for my dad, I think I would show him answering a frantic phone call at 10 pm from one of his three children, saying our dryer isn’t heating or our dishwasher is leaking or any other household ailment, and him coming over with his tools and a smile, happy to help, no questions asked. Both of these men just 'do' for their children. There is no hesitation, no insistence kids 'ask their mother' or 'call a professional.' Fatherhood is reliability personified, at least in the fathers I’m blessed enough to have in my life," said Clifton resident Kathleen Grannis.
Angie Salazar wrote, "I would like to honor my husband/partner as the best father. My hubby became a father when he was just a teenager. But since day one he took the role and responsibilities of a father. My kids and I are beyond grateful for having him by our side. Jose has been the best father to our kids since day one. I admire him because despite the fact that he did not have a male figure in his life he is a great dad. He is caring, loving, patient, etc.. the list can go on and on. But I truly admire him for being the best role model for our kids. I am beyond grateful for all he does for our family."
Jackelyn Santos was eager to share some thoughts about her children's father, David. "My husband David is an amazing father. He is selfless, loving, hardworking, silly & overall the most amazing human being. Thank you for being you! Your hard work and dedication to our family does not go unnoticed or unappreciated! I love you and I cannot imagine doing this thing called life without you!" Her seven-year-old Sophia said, "Our daddy is the best daddy in the world. He is the best because he snuggles, plays video games with me, plays dolly with us, tickles me, and loves me! We love you, Daddy!" Two-year-old Valerie chimed in, "I love Daddy!"
You may have thought I didn't see,
Or that I hadn't heard,
Life lessons that you taught to me,
But I got every word.
Perhaps you thought I missed it all,
And that we'd grow apart,
But Dad, I picked up everything,
It's written on my heart.
Without you, Dad, I wouldn't be
The person I am today;
You built a strong foundation
No one can take away.
I've grown up with your values,
And I'm very glad I did;
So here's to you, dear father,
From your forever grateful kid.
By Joanna Fuchs
Happy Father's Day to all of the dads doing their best every day to be the kind of father their children look up to, learn from, and count on.
