Hey Dad,

I love being a dad. I'm not talking about loving everything that comes with fathering at this moment, but more the love of being part of the group of human beings who call themselves DADS.

I see them wherever I travel. Recently, at the airport, I saw a dad saying goodbye to his twenty-something son. I could tell he was trying hard to hold it all together. I watched as the father looked on as his boy walked down the long hallway to catch his plane. His eyes were wet, and I could feel his emotion as he stood there.

I wanted to get his attention and say, "You 'da dad," but I was afraid of interrupting the moment.

Just this last weekend as I was driving in northern Michigan I spotted two cars alongside the highway. It was obvious that someone was having trouble and had called for help. When I got close, I saw a teenage boy standing beside the car as his dad lifted the hood of his car.

My heart swelled, and if I'd had a few more seconds, I would have rolled down my window and shouted, "YOU 'DA DAD!!" Looking in my rearview mirror, I knew the dad already knew that. He was doing what he was created to do—be a father.

All that to say, I love being a part of Team Dad. Everyday I'm encouraged by dads just like you who are doing the best they can to love their families and train their children. But we need each other, and that's why I do what I do.

But truth is, I can't do this job all by myself. There are bunches of dads who need your encouragement and insights as they face situations that you may have already faced yourself. That's why we've just added a brand spankin' new Familyman Forum* to our website: so you can share your thoughts … or ask questions, seek advice, or just be reminded that you're not alone in fathering.

So, Dad, thanks for being part of the team—you make me proud. Hey, and if you ever find yourself fixing your son's car along the highway, you just may hear a loud voice holler, "YOU 'DA DAD!!"

You 'da Dad,

*To check it out, go to http://www.familymanweb.com/forum/

© 2007 Todd Wilson. Used by permission.

[9/22/07]

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