In 1976, I was a newly divorced Mom with a two year old son who used to stop traffic with his curly red hair. A year later, I was happily remarried to a terrific guy who loved my son as much as he loved me. When the three of us went to Disney World on our honeymoon, my young son told the desk clerk at the hotel that Mommy and I just married Richard. By the time we got to our room, there was a gift basket filled with toys and a note that said, ” Congratulations to the three of you!”

On Father’s Day, we say “thank-you” and acknowledge the men who gave us life and/or raised us. Often, they are not the same person. I want to acknowledge all the Dads out there, who whether or not they share the same DNA with their children, were “real” Dads in every sense of the word. Anyone can make a baby, but raising a child is a lifetime commitment.

To my husband….Thank-you Richard for being a loving, devoted Father to all four of the children that I brought into this world. You are a shining example of a “real” Dad and I love you with all my heart.

Happy Father’s Day !