Fantabulous Fathers by Angie Ledbetter

"My father didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it." - C. B. Kelland

"Fatherhood is pretending the present you love most is soap-on-a-rope." - Bill Cosby

It's Father's Day today, and in honor of all the men I know who are good daddies, great "fill-ins," wonderful role models and awesome menfolk, this post is for you.

If all the men in the world were like Oren, what good children there would be. Dad Oren has spent much of his adult life giving of himself to his own two kids and many others he's not even related to. He has coached baseball, led Boy Scouts from cubs to Eagle Scouts and beyond, and taken part in their faith journeys. Dedication, hard work, and self-sacrifice are characteristics that come easily to this dad.

If fathers bonded with their baby boys and girl, sharing in the not-so-pleasant diapering, feeding, bathing, and hands-on duties the way Ken does, kids would grow up knowing they are loved. There'd also be a lot more moms who feel cherished and appreciated.

If all stepfathers loved, were involved with and cared about their stepchildren as well as Gene and Bob do, what better families we would have.

I am grateful for your presence, your "right priorities," and your modeling of what's important in children's lives. I'm blessed and thankful my own Daddy embodies all these traits and more. Thanks, guys, and HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!