Happy Independence Day!

Happy Father's Day!

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Happy Father's Day to all the fathers out there or the guys who serve as fatherly role models.

Some years ago a local phone company offered free long distant calls to the men in a local prison, so they could call their mothers on Mother's Day. It was so successful, with men lining up for hours to talk to their moms, that the company decided to offer the same thing on Father's Day.

Not one man in the prison came forward to call his father.

Now, it would be simplistic to suggest that only men with no relationship or poor relationships with their fathers end up in prison. But it is a profound indicator of the power a good father has in the lives of his children.

My own father died last year. This year all my father's day cards went to either my husband or my sons and son-in-law. I'm grateful for my dear husband who always has our children's' best interest in mind and does so much for them day or night--they may disagree at times with how he goes about it but they always know his loving intent. I'm grateful for my sons who are now fathers. It's fun to watch them interact with their children. They were all so excited to be dads.

"A father is a guy who has pictures in his wallet where his money used to be."

A to Z - Boys and Birthdays

I was widowed young--twenty six. I had two children: a son a month shy of four and a daughter of seventeen months.

Unfortunately, my birthday that year fell on the two-month anniversary of our loss. For a number of reasons, neither my family nor my late husband's made contact with me that day--the cards came late.

It was a Saturday, and I felt sorry for myself early on, though later in the day I finally broke down and baked myself a birthday cake.

Well, my little boy (now all grown up and a father himself--and an artist--you'll need to scroll down) wondered what the cake was for. I explained it was my birthday.

He understood birthday cakes because he'd just celebrated his own special day the month before. The little guy looked around, wanting to know where my presents were. I asked him who was going to give me a present. He gave me a sheepish shrug. I told him not to worry about it, and the three of us had our own little cake party.

I didn't give it any further thought.

Until Christmas approached. My little guy told me he needed someone to take him Christmas shopping. Clueless, I asked him why. He said that since I hadn't gotten anything for my birthday he wanted to make sure I got something for Christmas.

*sniff*

I love little boys.

What about you? Do you have any special memories of a child in your life?