So, about 12 years ago a social scientist named Gladstone did a study on elephants. Apparently, a pack of teenage male elephants and a female elephant were moved to an isolated park in Africa. Videos were taken which showed packs of these teenage male elephants chasing down rhinos, teasing them, pushing them down, and goring them with their tusks. A bull elephant was brought into the area by the game wardens, and the rhino killings ceased. According to Gladstone’s interpretation, "When fathers are absent, adolescent males become agitated, seem lost and out of control". He and other experts agreed that "studies done with elephants show that boys need strong, mature male influences, they need to know who is in charge, what the rules are, and who holds them accountable." (See "The Kovacs Perspective" on Searchwarp.com)
Dads' roles can never be filled by anyone else, no matter how well-meaning those others may be. Even the best mother can't replace the father of her children. A loving father makes a child's home feel safe in a way that nothing else can. His role is to "preside over, provide for,and protect his family" (Proclamation on the Family, 1995). Even a child who has mere memories of his/her father is often motivated, uplifted, encouraged by these memories.
I'm offended by television shows and advertisements, jokes and parodies, eye-rolling comments by women which belittle husbands and fathers. You can bet if the tables were turned, and women were degraded in this blatant manner, heads would roll and litigation attorneys' phones would be ringing off the hook.
Okay, so maybe I'm exaggerating, maybe not. But I love dads. Even imperfect dads, which all of them are but One. But I love dads who try. They show up, they participate, they lead their families, love their wives, guide their children. I love my dad, who went to work every day to support my mother and seven children, who made sure my mother could stay home with us. I love my brothers and brothers-in-law who are dads as I watch them be involved, hands-on Fathers.
I love my husband, who supports me emotionally, physically, financially, spiritually. He adores our kids and he shows them who is in charge, what the rules are, and how to be accountable. He works hard and supports our decision for me to be home with our children. He makes our home feel secure. He is a stalwart and a loyal friend.
Dads are a beautiful blessing; can you imagine life without them? I don't want to. So Here's to Dads everywhere--keep up the good work! You are often behind the scenes, but we need you, we love you--You Rock.
