I blogged last week about how Father's Day is not for everyone. But it IS for a lot of people. Just because I didn't get the ideal Dad, I still celebrate with my whole heart all the great Dads out there. So Happy Father's Day to all the fathers around the world who care for and protect their children, who raise daughters and sons who are empowered to live full lives. Happy Father's Day to Dads who love their children unreservedly, and who work hard at being equal parenting partners with their wives. Here is to Dads who change diapers, teach kids how to ride bikes, read bedtime stories, and teach a child bedtime prayers.

Here is to Dads who role model men who can and do feel openly. Here is to Dads who help Moms get the kids to practice, play dates, and recitals. Here is to Dads in the bleachers, and in the audience at the school play. Here is to Dads who understand and love kids who may have unexpected qualities - kids who are overly bright, or slow, or LGBT, or nerdy or extra talented or limited or handicapped. Here is to Dads who stand up for their child's rights.

Here is to Dads who understand childhood mistakes, who look in at their sleeping kids at night and make sure they are tucked in. Here is to Dads who take their kids fishing, who play ball with them even when they are tired from work, who know where the bandaids are to put on a skinned knee. Here is to Dads who support their children, emotionally and financially. Here is to Dads who understand what family means.

Here is to Dads who "do it right" every day, without thanks, without praise. May you all be richly blessed and remembered on this day and all days!