A Tribute to Dads

By Deborah Clark

Ward Cleaver had nothing on '90's dads. Ward Cleaver was a father in every sense of the word. He worked and brought home the bacon while June cooked in pearls and high heeled pumps. He puttered in the yard and on the car. He dispensed advice and meted out justice. My father was much the same. But he was also my dad.

Dads are as different from fathers as today's parents are from the Cleavers. Fathers are distant, hands-off men who are related to us through biology or marriage. Dads are the men we bond with; the ones who make time, share their knowledge and listen compassionately. Dads can be our fathers. But fathers are not always our dads.

Today's male parents are more often dads than fathers. They take time to care for, and nurture, their children. Dads are actively involved in their children's lives, even when they are no longer involved in the domestic situation. Dads find avenues that allow them to pursue their career goals without sacrificing their family. Dads change diapers, make meals, and have chauffeur duties. Fathers provide the family with a lifestyle. Dads live it.

Fathers have lost so much in living a life distant from those that love them. They miss out on much of their children's lives. But, that doesn't mean that they don't love their families fiercely. They have just repeated a pattern they learned in their own families. But even fathers can have their times as dads. Today's men have shown that moulds can be broken and ties strengthened because of it. As being a Dad becomes more important than being a father, everyone benefits. Children, spouses and businesses can view men as whole people who have unique contributions to make.

On Father's Day, remember the men in your life. The Dads who have made a difference. And call them. Call your father too, if you have one. You may find a Dad you didn't even know was there.