Dads seem to get smarter as kids grow up

Next Sunday is Father's Day and many of will remember with pride the manner in which our fathers shared in our lives. Others will find the day painful as they remember with disappointment the inability of their fathers to relate with them. Perhaps there were others who fulfilled the role of father in their lives and who can be remembered for their many acts of kindness.

The origin of Father's Day is uncertain. Some believe the first observance of Father's Day was held on July 5, 1908, in Hairmont, West Virginia. The majority of Father's Day historians believe it was inspired by Sonora Smart Dodd, whose father was a Civil War veteran, and as a single parent, raised his six children.

Whatever its origin, it has become a holiday celebrated on the third Sunday in June. Although Mother's Day is credited with having the greatest number of phone calls, Father's Day is credited with having the greatest number of collect phone calls!

Although many jokes have been made about fathers, many have been an inspiration to their children and excellent role models. I read this anonymous poem entitled "My Daddy," and it goes like this:

When I was ...

4 years old: My daddy can do anything.

5 years old: My daddy knows a whole lot.

6 years old: My dad is smarter than your dad.

8 years old: My dad doesn't know exactly everything.

10 years old: In the olden days, when my dad grew up, thing were sure different.

12 years old: Oh, well, naturally, Dad doesn't know anything about that. He is too old to remember his childhood.

14 years old: Don't pay any attention to my Dad. He is so old fashioned.

21 years old: Him? My Lord, he's hopelessly out-of-date.

25 years old: Dad knows about it, but then he should, because he has been around so long.

30 years old: Maybe we should ask Dad what he thinks. After all, he's had a lot of experience.

40 years old: I wonder how Dad would have handled it. He was so wise.

50 years old: I'd give anything if Dad were here now so I could talk this over with him. Too bad I didn't appreciate how smart he was. I could have learned a lot from him.

May it be a Happy Day for all Fathers and families!