To the Men Who . . .

Today is Father's Day. While we take time to celebrate the men who gave us life, the job of being a father figure extends well beyond contributing DNA. I read several years ago that even in an "ideal family" of two parents and 2.5 children, kids need at least five people other than their own mom and dad who influence and pour into their lives. I am grateful that my children have so many men in their lives who love them and teach them. I am thinking of all of you today, those pictured below and many more who have brought so much to my family.

To the men who show my son that you can be strong and love sports but also be vulnerable and cry, I thank you today.

To the men who tell my daughter that she is smart and beautiful, that she is of great value and treasured, I thank you today.

To the men who model love for their wives and families, I thank you today.

To the men who have coached my children and, in doing so, have shared with them important lessons about character and teamwork and effort, I thank you today.

To the men who discipline my children as they do their own, I thank you today.

To the men who taught my son to tie a necktie and whose assistance will be needed again when it's time for him to shave, I thank you today.

To the men who hold my children close with a much needed "dad hug" after a rough day, I thank you today.

To the men who encourage me and offer me hugs and an ear to listen when I'm having a rough day, I thank you today.

To the two senior men who sat with my son between them in a hallway at church this morning and quietly talked with him about his behavior and their expectations for him, I thank you today.

To my dad, who taught me to love learning and who shares with me often that he is proud of my family and who is a caring and involved grandpa with my kids, I thank you today.

To the man I married fifteen years ago and divorced eight years ago, but with whom between those times I brought two amazing people into existence, I thank you today. The kids love you dearly.

The Moore Trio has a large family that is not defined by genetics or who lives in our home. On this Father's Day, thank you to the many men in our tribe who have made a difference in the lives of my children.