Today marks 19 years since my dad left this earth and stepped into heaven. He was a remarkable man. A tremendous storyteller, musician, and truly kind-hearted soul. I came along as a later-in-life surprise for him. He turned 42 just 2 weeks after my birth. He always told me that I was the best surprise he ever had. Even though I wasn’t necessarily planned for, I knew that I was wanted and loved. I’m sure that my arrival caused some disruption. However, I always felt secure in the love of my parents. Even though I was a surprise to my

Dad, Daddy, Da-da, Papa, Pop, Pa, Father… no matter what name you call him, he is an incredibly important partner in the parenting team.  Unfortunately, over the past several years, there has been a steady decline in the value of fathers in our society.  Dads as characters in television shows and movies are often portrayed as incompetent or even unnecessary.  Men are frequently referred to as “sperm donors” who have no other real function when it comes to raising children.  What a sad situation we are in, especially since this was not God’s design. God’s plan is for children to