06/21/2026
The Many Ways to Be a Dad
A father can be many things,
A teller of tall tales and kings,
A fixer of bikes, a builder of forts,
A loud cheerleader at neighborhood sports.
Some dads have beards, some are shaved clean,
Some wear old jeans, some dress pristine.
Some came by birth, some came by choice,
Some simply showed up and became a voice.
A father might teach you how to drive,
Or how to keep a houseplant alive.
He may know taxes, knots, or glue,
Or confidently explain things that aren't true.
He'll say, "Back in my day..." with pride,
Though history books may not coincide.
He'll claim, “We don’t need directions to get where we’re going”,
While driving in circles ‘til the sun stops showing.
Some dads are quiet, some dads are loud,
Some never seek to stand in a crowd.
Some offer wisdom, some offer snacks,
Some show their love through practical acts.
A father can be grand, step, foster, or chosen,
The person who stays when the road feels frozen.
The one who says, "You’re ok, you’ve got this, keep going”,
His experience and wisdom he’s always bestowing.
Dads carry bad jokes like treasured gold,
Retelling punchlines that never get old.
"Hey now, that’s funny” he'll proudly declare,
As groans fill the room and echo through the air.
Yet years from now, as life moves toward amber,
Those jokes become memories we fondly remember—
The little reminders, steady and true,
Of someone who cared enough to embarrass you.
So here's to fathers, all kinds, everywhere,
The ones who listened, protected, were there.
Not perfect heroes, but wonderfully real,
Teaching us strength, perseverance, how to heal.
And if they occasionally forgot an event,
Or on camping trips accidently put a rip in the tent,
We love them still—and perhaps even more,
For the laughter and love they brought through life's door.
-Anonymous
Today, we celebrate the incredible fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, and father figures who inspire, support, encourage, love and challenge us.
We also keep close to our hearts and minds the fathers who are no longer here with us. For many, today is about remembering dad’s strength, protection, guidance, love, and of course, those famously bad, but always memorable dad jokes.
From our family to yours, we wish you a heartfelt, peaceful, and love-filled Father’s Day.
