In taking hold of the responsibility of parentage, there are many positive roles from which a man may choose.

Caregiver – One who cradles, assists, and feeds, the child who can’t move or nurture itself.

Storyteller – A man who encouraging reading and creates stories.  He cares for and encourages imagination, and wonder in a young child. 

Teacher – One who fosters and develops the young mind, making it capable of the challenges awaiting in adulthood.

Coach – One who encourages, trains, and supports those trying to master many skills.

Guide – He who shows the paths before a young wanderer, and provides him with the survival skills for the rough trails ahead.  He also directs the seeker to the path he sees most fitting, but must ultimately allow him to choose his own. 

Psychologist – He who is in charge of the nurture, care, and stability of a developing young mind. 

Role model – He who must lead by his own actions, words and decisions, setting the example for a developing youth.

Moralist – One in charge of instilling, maintaining, and refining, an honorable, moral code.

Alchemist – He whose efforts are focuses on transforming raw, common, materials into gold. 

Doctor – One responsible for diagnosing, healing, and treating, all of the various wounds suffered while growing up. 

Lawyer – The one who stands up for you even if you are wrong, trying to give another chance.

Provider – He who takes care of the physical necessities, food and nutrition, sleep and sanctuary.

Judge – He who must weigh heavily on transgression, and rule fairly on mistakes made, levying proper, developmental discipline.

Sculptor – One who creates art in structure from very little. He molds, builds, chisels, and polishes until the final masterpiece is presented to the world.

Friend-The one who gives you an ear, no matter what your problem. The one who doesn’t turn you away, when your need is great. And the one to laugh with, cry with, and with whom to share experiences.

While these are all important roles for a father, and no doubt some more difficult to assume than others, it is best when all can be represented by one man. 

Thank you to my father, for being that man. 

Happy Birthday Dad.