Of all the jobs I have undertaken in my life, I think the most important of all has to be that of father. It has been the most rewarding part of my life’s journey. My own father was absent for most of my young life. I very much felt the sense of loss in my early development. I determined not to be a missing father with my own children. I tried to be engaged from the very beginning and at each stage along the way. Like all parents, I discovered that children do not arrive with a manual of instructions. I had two daughters and experience with little girls. I made many mistakes, but I always loved them and respected their identity and abilities. It was much later in my studies that I learned how important fathers can be for girls. Now as a grandfather I know that fathers are important for boy as well. If you are given the opportunity to be a father, use the opportunity as well. If you do not have your own children, perhaps you can be a good father figure for those children, young and old, who need such a figure in their lives. Happy Father’s Day!