The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Say "Dad," it melts the toughest guy

Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher-Owner

16 June 2004

"Hey dad, want to play catch?"

Then there are the "twenty questions" a child always asks that lets a father know that someone younger is really wanting his guidance and needing his advice.

After all the hard work and the struggles of a day, a father gets a lift from the happy faces of the children in his home.

And like the old saying goes, "The more you give, the more you get!" The fathers that give the most are the ones who are rewarded to the depth of their soul.

It seems we can get pretty busy around the house, but youngsters always have time for what is really important, and that is those who are closest to them.

If dads and sons or daughters are distant, it usually is because fathers put the distance there. They spend too much time at their work and leisure hobbies, and not enough time doing things with their children. I think that is why scouting is so successful,. It takes a lot of parent involvement.

Were you close to your dad? Did you spend time doing things together? Are you following the same path with your children? Kids need to be corrected by their parents, but what they really need more is their time and their approval.

And the same goes for dad. He's a little boy in a tough guy's outfit. He likes to be listened to. He likes to have fun. He likes to be appreciated. And even if he says "I don't need anything for father's day" he only means he has plenty of socks and ties and shirts. He really just wants to have family and friends, some fun and good food.

Then, the words - "Dad, Happy Father's Day," - will melt his heart, along with a homemade card. You'll see.