Happy Father's Day

Pastor Jim had a great sermon today about why men matter in our society and fathers in particular. I won't try to repeat the wealth of statistics he cited about the effects of the lack of a father on teen pregnancy rates, criminality, etc. The key fact he quoted was that the absence of a father in the home is the single biggest predictor of social ills (drop out, teen pregnancy, criminality) more than poverty, race, etc. Also, KT has had a number of great posts on this subject, including this one, where he quotes Charles Murray extensively and this one.

I want to share that my brothers and my sister have been blessed to have a father who understood the importance of just being there. When I was growing up, I just thought it was normal that my Dad was there for every important and lots of not so important events in my life. He never missed a football game or a school event. He took an interest in my school work, and not just when my report card came in; always ready to help. Sadly, I have learned that his example is often not followed and the world is a poorer place for it.

So here's to you Pop, thanks for being the great Dad you have always been and for always being there for us.

Here's Pop in the sixth grade with his class mates. Hope this makes him smile.