A FATHER'S DAY MESSAGE

In many ways, and for many reasons, Fatherhood transcends the boundaries of geography, ethnicity, religion, language, culture, politics, class, and economics.   Men who are Fathers from all Walks of Life throughout our Global Village experience the joys and challenges of raising children as they discover that a magic formula for positively shaping the minds and souls of our children -- our future -- our bridge to the future -- simply does not exist.   No one has come to Fathers, tapped them on the shoulder, and said, "Hey, to become a successful parent and have happy, well-adjusted children who will mature into productive and successful adults, you need to do 'x, y, and z'."  In most instances, Fathers have to figure it out all by themselves. 

Yet, Fathers in our cities, villages, rural districts, townships, suburbs, and hamlets around the world collectively and, in some instances, under the most difficult set of circumstances go about the business of developing and implementing plans that will move their families forward and sustain a nurturing and strong family unit.  Fathers put aside their own dreams so that their children will have the freedom to dream dreams and to transform those dreams into realities that the world will someday see, feel, hear, and touch.   And Fathers teach our children -- our future -- our bridge to the future -- very valuable life lessons. Life lessons about integrity, discipline, sacrifice, loyalty, honor, responsibility, and unconditional love.

Single Fathers, Military Fathers, Custodial Fathers, Divorced Fathers, "Stay-At-Home" Fathers, and Non-Custodial Fathers throughout our global village are concerned about their children's health and physical safety. Fathers sometimes wonder if they are being good parents. Are they spending adequate and quality time with their children? What type of world will their children inherit when they reach adulthood? Will it be a better and safer world?

To The Fathers of the World: 

You are loved ... You are needed.  

Thank you for loving, mentoring, and nurturing our children -- our future -- our bridge to the future.

Happy Father's Day!