Ode to Dads

I hope that most Americans don't feel like dads are expendable, because they certainly aren't. In fact the entire family is built around dad. Or as Chris Rock says "Daddy deserves the big piece of chicken!" So what is a dad?

A dad:

takes you fishing and then spends the entire day without getting his own line wet because he's baiting, re-baiting, unhooking, untangling, and retying your line. All while cheerfully complimenting your big catch.

tosses you in the air, wrestles with you, rough houses, and then eventually keeps your dates in line.

teaches you about butterflies, constellations, ice fishing and camping.

is powerful. "Wait until your father gets home!" can strike fear into any young heart.

shows that some things are worth fighting for, but most aren't.

remains calm when you first get behind the wheel of a car.

cheers you on even when you come in last place. Then he helps you get better for next time.

is brave in the face of all manner of invasion from rodents to reptiles, bugs to bats.

demonstrates how a man should treat his family.

makes life possible.

supports, defends, protects, and cherishes his family.

can unscrew spaghetti jars.

isn't afraid of thunder, the dark, or noises on the roof.

What is a dad? A dad is the foundation of a strong family. A family can be built without a dad, but it will never be as strong as one with a dad. Celebrate the strong dads in your life because they quite simply make us who we are.

Thank you Dad.