Everclear’s “Father of Mine” : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkcbxjWG9Mc

My brother, sister and I are usually oblivious to the arrival of Father’s Day every year because our most immediate father by blood was abusive and absent to his family.  Thankfully our mother was able to take us under her arms along with the help of good people and escape that destructive household when I was about 11 years old. 

Over the past couple of decades I’ve gone through every emotion on the matter and settled on neutral in order to enjoy the blessings of the other “fathers” in our lives.

Father God: thank you. Spiritual fathers in the priesthood and pastors: thank you.  Coaches in Physical Education, basketball, track & field, cross-country: thank you. Teachers in high school and professors in universities: thank you.  Friends: thank you. Fathers through marriage (including grandparents and uncles): thank you. Father of my children: endless thanks…

As I noted in my Mother’s Day post earlier this year: https://ceoofthehome.net/2013/05/12/mothers-day-a-day-open-for-interpretation/

Every man out there in the world has the opportunity to give fatherly love to others through gentle but firm leadership in positive matters, providing safety, encouraging through praise and giving peace through unconditional love and never trampling the spirit of child.

Newsboys’ “Always” : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyKE1k_x_40

Ever grateful,

R.V.S.B.