The Dad Factor

Today is Father's Day. It is a day I love, but as a former single mom, I know that Dad is much more powerful than father. To be a father just takes a hookup. A biological act. Nothing past that ... and you are always the father. My eldest never got a chance to grow a Dad relationship with his father. His father was killed in a car accident when he was three. My middle and youngest children also have a father...he was present in their lives only until my son was 6, and my daughter six months...and then disappeared into a life of unfortunate choices. So they have a father, but not a dad in him. Nine years ago, my husband came into the picture. The boys were adult and almost adult, and my daughter was a teen. Everyone on the planet has a father, but not everyone has a Dad. My husband vowed to love not just me, but my children, too. It has not been easy to blend a family. I have often said it's the hardest thing to do. My children are at least open hearted and willing to accept my husband - my daughter sees him as Dad, and my sons are developing relationships with him at their own pace. My husband truly loves all of my kids, and I believe over time it will be the bridge that brings them together. It's a lot more complicated when they have been burned by other men. On this Fathers Day, I honor my Daddy, who I have grown much closer to in the last two decades. I love him and enjoy spending time with him. I know I'm blessed to have him. I also honor my husband, who opened his heart to be Dad to three kids that had been abandoned and abused by men that were in their life, by biology or marriage. It hurts me that I put my children through some of that through my poor choices. But I'm relieved that God has given them a chance to have a Dad for the rest of their lives. I hope they will take full advantage of this blessing. LS