Jim Tumbls.

To all of the fathers out there, this is to you. But first, a little clarification:

fa-ther:
–noun
1. a male parent.
2. a father-in-law, stepfather, or adoptive father.
3. any male ancestor, esp. the founder of a race, family, or line; progenitor.
4. one who exercises paternal care over other persons; paternal protector or provider: a father to the poor.
…
11. a title of respect for an elderly man.

Due to the large definition entry, I’ve done some editing to fit my current needs. Some entries removed for space consideration. Another striked out for emphasis. Another bolded, also for emphasis.

I read an article about President Obama’s own thoughts and statements regarding Father’s Day. Some agree with his statements. Others don’t want to hear about it. Others are ambivalent. To each his own. This here is my statement on Father’s Day.

To say I’ve had a unique perspective on a relationship with my father would be arrogant; everyone has had a unique relationship with his or her father, but like President Obama, I have had a unique lack of relationship with my father which has had a profoundly special impact on my life. Many people speak of these fatherless children and what that void produces. Oftentimes this void is filled with bad influences. Other times the void remains empty causing trouble of its own. The void in MY life was hardly a void at all, since it was filled overwhelmingly with a plethora of positive influences.

Thank you, and happy Father’s Day to all of the fathers in my life; to all of MY fathers. To my friends across generations who provided guidance over the years. To my friends’ fathers, who included me in their own family and father/son activities. To the rest of my family who stepped up and provided that little bit (sometimes a big bit) extra. My uncle, grandparents, step-grandparents, and step-fathers. Even my mother. Happy Father’s Day. To everyone who’s come to school events, fixed my car (and taught me a little about it in the process). To everyone I have gone fishing with, and those with whom I have gone camping. To those who have shared music of all types with me, and those who have enriched my life and filled the void, happy Father’s Day.

What could have been a completely different life very easily because of an obvious void and other troubles, is a wonderful and happy life and I give thanks to all of my fathers out there. So sleep in late, relax, and enjoy this day - enjoy YOUR day, Dads!