photo #2212547

Guys, no matter the gift, if you receive one tomorrow, treat it like a Congressional Medal of Honor. You're playing a vital role in the survival of our nation. Yeah, I know. Underwear, a tie, handkerchiefs, socks, a homemade card or gift. Maybe the most priceless of all, a big hug and thank you. That just put you in the top percentile of MEN today. The ones who are a part of their children's lives, and have inculcated those values into the next generation. Irresponsible males "touch and go", and aren't heard from again. The intrinsic value of a young heart that did what they could to thank you is the most priceless gift you'll ever receive. When you consider all the thoughts and hoping it's enough you'll understand what I mean. Yes, I've been fortunate enough to be on both sides of that coin. I don't take it lightly. I pray you won't, either. This is one of those "where the rubber meets the road" events, for BOTH sides. I remember giving my father a hug, and crying because I couldn't afford to get him anything that year. His simple answer was "You just did", complete with a tear in his eye, was acknowledgement enough. When we lived on a trimaran transiting from Illinois to Louisiana via the Mississippi, my son did the exact same thing, and I finally understood. Material things aren't the real present. Even more so today. Children and parents who understand the love and caring in a totally functional nuclear family unit are the richest today, followed by those who might not be together but raise their children as their greatest gift. Children learn by watching and emulating, not by indoctrination. When my Dad kissed my Mother in front of us, it wasn't a peck on the cheek. If there was a reason to, they did it right. In spite of society's dogma today, love is NOT a game nor a fairy tale. Remember the song "Teach your children well"? Yeah, CSN&Y. Might wanna play it before tomorrow. Happy Pappy's Day !