In Appreciation of Fathers

This is for fathers: true, loving, caring, responsible fathers.

Not sperm donors, not yearly visitors, but actual, real, in the trenches, hands-on fathers. This is for fathers who see their children every day, and also for those who don’t, but whose presence in their children’s lives is always felt and always appreciated.

Fathers who realize that money is important and material things are nice but a hug is priceless and a compliment invaluable.

Fathers who understand that they are their son’s best example for how to treat a woman, and have set the standard for their daughters for how they should expect to be treated by a man.

This is for living fathers who take the time to provide encouragement and guidance often, and dead fathers who left an indelible imprint on the souls of their children.

Fathers who are not afraid to hug, ashamed to cry, reluctant to ask, or unwilling to try. Fathers who play with their children, pray with their children, and stay with their children, and are as comfortable at the football game as they are at the dance recital.

Fathers who, regardless of how challenging, try their very best to brush, part and gather delicate hair into tiny pink elastic bands, and who can be found picking out baseball gloves as patiently and meticulously as dresses and sandals.

This is for fathers who strive to provide for their children and make them feel safe in this often frightening world, and who understand that one of the best things they can do for their child is to not speak ill of its mother.

Fathers who do not deflect their responsibilities within the household, and understand their role in fortifying the fitness and stability of their family.

Fathers who cuddle with their children yet reprimand them for whining because they recognize the importance of balancing affection with discipline.

For fathers who gave it their all yet their children still went astray, and fathers of angels in Heaven, you too have been a blessing to your child, and this is also for you.

Although I may not have recognized it earlier, but as an adult I now see that the words and actions of my father are the roadmap to where I am today, and where I’m going. He was the first man that ever loved me completely, purely and unconditionally.

So to my late father, Donald William Bailey, as well as all of the other hard working, committed, loving, consistent, strong, caring, dedicated men we call “Daddy”

… we love you… and thank you!

Danine Manette is a Criminal Investigator, Media Pundit, Infidelity Expert and Author. She recently published her second book titled: Messages for Joey-A Few Things I Need You to Know which also has a dedicated Facebook Page. Danine lives in California and is the married mother of three. You can also follow Danine on Facebook and Twitter