One senior's opinion: Father's Day is about children, too

How will you spend your Father's Day this year? Cards, cake and presents help us honor the man who was there for us as we were growing up. He went to work, paid the bills, taught us right from wrong and cheered us on as we tackled the complicated hurdles of adolescence. Perhaps this is not reflective of everyone's experience of dad but many of us can relate to it.

Unfortunately, there are children who grow up without a father. Some men walk away from fatherhood, unwilling or unable to commit to caring for their families. For these children, Father's Day is just another day, or a painful reminder that there is someone out there who should be a part of their lives, but isn't.

Life is often difficult for single mothers. When resources are limited the task of parenting by one's self is even harder. Grandfathers, step dads, uncles, older brothers, cousins, neighbors and teachers often step to fill the gap for absent dads. Some children, however, have no appropriate male role model in their lives.   

Want to help a fatherless child? There are many ways to do this. Volunteer to become a big brother, become involved in coaching or scouting, become a mentor or foster parent. The need for father figures is overwhelming. As you celebrate Father's Day, please remember the fatherless children who would benefit from some of your time and some of your caring. Helping a child build a better future can be a gratifying experience and well worth the time and effort involved.

Dianne Borowski lives in Bay Village. 

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Volume 2, Issue 12, Posted 2:38 PM, 06.06.2010