Father's Day

Time allows perspective, and it is for this very reason that Father's Day is not necessarily a Hallmark moment for many of us who are called by at least one other person, "Dad."  Father's Day (and Mother's Day for the fairer sex) is the one day of the year when we are forced to review our parenting skills, and admit our failures while celebrating our successes. The truth of the matter is that the end product is not what determines our success, simply because there is never truly an end product. It is our involvement along the way that matters most. Were we there? Were we there often enough? Were we fully there when we were there? In keeping with this annual parental day of reckoning, I have some bad news and I have some good news. The bad news is that remorse cannot change anything. The good news is that remorse does not change anything. You are still "father," and every moment is an opportunity for a fresh chapter. While you can never start over, you can start from here and strive to be present, loving, and supportive. There is something inherent in parenthood that causes a child, even under the worst of circumstances, to be receptive and even eager for a better relationship with mom or dad. I am convinced that as we put forth renewed effort, in time, we'll find a receptive son or daughter. Who knows, there may come a time when we look forward to Father's Day, and then look back on it as a cherished memory.