Happy Father's Day!

Perched on a limb outside my second story apartment window is a blue jay.  If I remember correctly, blue was my father's favorite color.  Not very often do I get to see birds such as this.  Maybe I needed a reminder of Dad's influence on my life, even though he passed away a few month's shy of twenty years ago.  As with anyone who has lost a family member, I look back thinking of how much more time I could have spent with the man whom I call father.  In the years since, Mom has remarried.  The two men couldn't become a better example of a study in contrasts, but my current step-father seems to provide for my mother in a fashion befitting of a decent man.  On further observation, he also takes an active interest in the lives of her children.  Both men, from their actions and behaviors, know what it is to discharge the role of father.  I couldn't ask for two better people to call family, and a double blessing to have the opportunity to do so.  On this Father's Day, I honor both men: Phillip Carter Schwab and Joseph Henry Goode.  May others look to their example of steadfastness and love.  Enjoy the time with your father and honor him.