[quote name='Big Will' post='50140' date='Jun 21 2009, 11:24 AM']<_<

Silliness aside, the members that I know who are dads have proven over and over that not only are they good parents,
they stand as a good role model for those who plan to start their own family.

And I got my first Father's Day card today - I thought the idea originally was silly, but after a thought I realized that you're
not a dad when your kid is born...

You're a father when you bring that first pint of ice cream home for your wife.
You're a father when you spend the better part of a weekend painting the walls of the nursery, and are happy doing it.
You're a father when you willingly go shopping for maternity wear.

And most importantly...

You're a father when you drop to your knees and pray to whoever listens to keep wife and baby safe, and make a promise
to protect both with your life.

Happy Father's Day![/quote]
Sappy, sentimental...and 100% true. Ryan is my world, and the reason I get out of bed each day sometimes in these difficult times I find myself in.
Still, from one father to the rest of you who are or will-be one, know that while mothers may do all the "hard work" (the whole birth thing, y'know), never underestimate the importance of your presence in your child's life. You are the pillar that supports the whole, and, while it's often overlooked or worse, your strength and love will always have a profound impact onto the life you're helping to raise. This is not just a day for fathers to be recognized, this is a day for fathers to reaffirm why they are there, because far too many see only the burden...and it is a heavy load to bear, make no mistake...and leave, never recognizing that it's not a burden to be borne. It's an honor and a privilege, a source of strength when you're weak, of comfort when you are in pain, a source of pride when all else has fallen about you. Mothers have this burden placed upon them, but fathers choose to take it upon themselves, and, to the life you are helping to shape and inspire, that's as important as you can get.
Thanks, and happy fathers' day.