Two preschoolers are facing each other in a playground and screeching at the top of their lungs.

The first hollers, “My dad is stronger than your dad.” The second responds, “No. My dad is
stronger than your dad.” The two youngsters keep repeating these same sentences over and over believing that mere shouting will eventually win in the end.

Sitting nearby are adults who cannot help overhearing their high-pitched squabble and praying their vocal cords will soon tire. However, what is actually unnerving to mature ears is not the fact that these underdeveloped screamers seem to be incapable of fatigue, but rather that they have not learned how to argue. Unsubstantiated assertions become boring very quickly.

Successful debates are never really settled until claims are supported by logical proofs or
verifiable facts. These kids haven’t learned the art of that approach so the only way they know how to applaud their father is by yelling his praises louder than anyone else.

Fortunately, and not too many years later, such outdoor mayhem is replaced with gift giving. The refrigerator door becomes a bulletin board reminder that today is all about dad. He comes into the kitchen and carefully reads aloud the homemade card with a barely legible greeting.

His eyes widen and he smiles broadly at the acrylic-marker drawing displaying a
disproportionately tall figure with elongated arms holding the hand of tiny stick figure child.
And although he knows that L U V is the misspelled word for the L O V E that’s meant
especially for him, he wouldn’t have it any other way.

So what are some of the most popular presents to give dad on Father’s Day? Apparently
drinking mugs, baseball hats and cellphone holders for his dashboard or desk are high on the list this year. These are certainly practical and affordable. But more importantly they can be personalized with his initials along with a cherished label like, “World’s Best Dad” or “Greatest Father Ever.”

These are just a few ways we have of saying thanks to the man who nourished us, protected us, and helped to discipline our intellectual, social, and moral growth.

We usually think of Father’s Day as an opportunity to honor the man who modeled physical
strength, tolerant silence, and experienced wisdom. Nevertheless, we honor him every day that we put these and all the other virtues he passed on to us into practice.

For Holy Homework:
Whether he is with us or gone to God ahead of us, let’s make a list of the characteristics that
come to mind when we think about our dads and display these items on the fridge in a
homemade thank-you note for his special day. And of course, we will sign it with L U V.
Happy Father’s Day to all our disproportionately tall and long-armed-loving dads.

Comments can be sent to FatherBobPagliari@Yahoo.com.