Happy Father’s Day, Dads!
A Privilege and a Pleasure!
I have had the privilege of meeting hundreds of amazing dads over the years. I have had the privilege of working with their sons and daughters and have come to know many of them personally. The fathers I have come to know come in every imaginable size and shape, from every conceivable race, religion, and culture, and range in educational background from barely finishing middle school (then, junior high school) to PhD, MD, CPA, JD, and the like.
The common denominator they share has been evident to a man:
They love their children and want for them at least as full a life as they’ve had…and, hopefully, a fuller, richer life.
It is easy to be a father. It is harder to be a Dad. Maybe harder isn’t the right word, but it certainly takes more effort to be good father…a Dad.
Almost any male of our species can father a child. Many should not! It takes much more effort to be a loving, caring, devoted parent…but the payoff is immense.
There is a poem many people are familiar with. The vast majority attribute it to the Bible. However, regardless of provenance, it is particularly accurate in describing the (possible) rewards associated with fatherhood.
Or rather, the rewards that come with being a Dad!
I want to share this poem with you. I also want to thank the Dads out there…particularly the Dads who have allowed me the privilege of working with their children.
I am forever grateful!
And to my children, well, you know how I feel about you. You have given me love beyond measure and a fuller life than I could have possibly hoped for.
I love you GREAT BIG LOTS!
And, finally, to Jack, Jr:
You are in my heart every day. Jack, there isn’t a day that goes by without you. I will miss you until the day I die, son.
To Dads Everywhere – The Rewards of Fatherhood
TEN FOLD
Whatever you give away today
or think or say or do
will multiply about ten fold
and then return to you
It may not come immediately
nor from the obvious source
but the law applies unfailingly,
through some invisible source
Whatever you feel about another
be it love or hate or passion
will surely bounce right back to you
in some clear (or secret) fashion
If you speak about some person
a word of praise or two
soon, tens of other people
will speak kind words of you.
Our thoughts are broadcasts of the soul,
not secrets of the brain
Kind ones bring us happiness
petty ones, untold pain
Giving works as surely
as reflections in a mirror
If hate you send, hate you’ll get back
but loving brings love nearer
Remember as you start this day
and duty crowds your mind
that kindness comes so quickly back
to those who first are kind
Let that thought and this one
direct us through each day
The only things we ever keep
are the things we give away.
Author Unknown
To my daughters and granddaughters, to my wife and best friend, to the students who have allowed me to share a bit of myself, and to the Dads who have allowed me to tutor, mentor, and coach their children:
Thank you!
Professor John P. J. “Jack” Zajaros, Sr.
Westside Tutoring & Testing Services
Lakewood, Ohio 44107
216-712-7004 (office)
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