Father's Day Is Coming...

My father died when I was 18 years old. I remembered the phone call vividly. It was a few days before my graduation from high school. I was expecting the caller to say, 'we are on our way down to Memphis for your graduation.' Instead it was a call to let me know that my father had passed. It seemed like only a couple months prior, my father was calling me to inform me of his illness. He was 43 years young. My father, a mechanic in the United States Army Reserve, died from complications due to lung cancer. It was totally unexpected. Even though my mom and dad had been separated for years, I was still shocked and saddened by his passing.

  To this day, I wish my father was still around. He would be glad to know that he has two wonderful grandchildren. When I found out I was pregnant with my son five years ago, I instanly knew what his name would be. I named my son Benjamin after my father.

 You should appreciate the fathers and the father figures that you may have in your life. You never know when God will call and the time comes for them to go home. Women, appreciate the good fathers or "baby's daddies" that are taking care of their children. Just because you all are broken up, he has moved on, and started a new relationship doesn't mean he loves your children any less. You two may not be together anymore, but work together as civilized adults for your children. Tell him, "Thank you for being there."

    Some of you may not have money for father's day gifts. Show that father, that brother, that husband, or that best friend your appreciation by cooking him dinner, buying a greeting card, writing a poem, sitting down and watching the games with him, taking a walk with him, or by taking him to church. Tell him you love him! It is the little significant things that counts and matters the most.