Becoming a father is not a part-time job.  That’s what I learned from my own dad and found out for myself when I became a dad 28 years ago.  My daughters, Allison & Mary, have made me so proud.

But my thoughts on Father’s Day always takes me back to my own dad.  I lost my father just two months after becoming a dad myself   My dad may have left us at the way-too-early age of 64, but what he taught me will always be there.

It was November of last year when I recorded a podcast with my brother-in-law Fred Glass.  We talked about his book, Making Your Own Luck.  He wrote extensively in his book about his father, George Glass.  Let’s just say Fred had a complicated relationship with his dad.

But at the end of the podcast, I asked Fred to add anything he would like to say.  He chose to talk about entering our family, Fred as an only child and my family of 6 kids.

One thing Fred made clear was that our dads had some obvious differences, but both men had something very important in common.  Bernie Lannan and George Glass both had a soft spot in their hearts for people, all people, no matter their skin color or religious beliefs.  Both men had a very specific view of what social justice looked like and taught that to their kids.

I have been told by many child psychologists that your children do listen to what you say, but they pay much more attention to what you do (and don’t do).  When I look back on my days as a dad, that’s a scary thought.  To Allison and Mary, I hope I taught both of you what Bernie Lannan taught me and my siblings, and what George Glass taught Fred.

So, Father’s Day is special to me in many ways.  I remember my dad and am proud of the adults my 28-year-old twin daughters have become.

Happy Father’s Day to all fathers reading this blog!

And, to everyone, thanks for reading.