Dear reader,

It’s easy to become a father. It’s hard to become a good father.

Some guys have a few kids and basically don’t change their own self-centered lives, expecting spouses and partners and the rest of the world to guide and care for their children. Some guys split from their relationship that generated this new addition to the world and don’t own up to the enormous long-term financial responsibilities—the archetypal Deadbeat Dad.

Then there is the guy who is a good father and even a great father. He is making the day-in day-out sacrifice it takes to love and nurture and cherish young lives. He takes on the mantle of fatherhood when his children are born, and the love he gives creates a bond that is eternal. He teaches core values, inspires imagination, and spreads joy in the lives of his kids through his quiet work and example.

A good father carries his half of the household responsibilities and is active in his children’s lives and interests. He shares in the trials and joys of being an integral part of the family. He experiences the satisfaction of raising his kids to become value-added adults enriching the world with all that accomplished men and women contribute.

 To all those good fathers out there I say, have a Happy Father’s Day; for their less worthy counterparts, I say, step it up and start earning it.

Patrick Wood

Publisher