Dads, non-dads...

Happy Father's Day! to all

participating in a child's life

Below are a few clips from a much longer column titled “Father’s Day Isn’t Just For Fathers” by Heather Ziegler of The Intelligencer / Wheeling News-Register.

Please CLICK HERE to read the full piece.

“So much has been written or reported about deadbeat dads...

“But what about the men who step up to the plate and do the right thing by their children.

“Whether married, single or divorced, there are plenty of guys out there who "get it" when it comes to being a dad...

“The other evening on one of my walks about town to exercise these 57-year-old bones, I saw signs that fatherhood is still alive and doing well.

“The steady sound of a softball hitting a gloved hand caught my ear before I saw the dad catching his daughter's impressive pitches. It was late evening and I'm sure that guy had put in a full day's work before heading out into the yard with his daughter. He probably never misses his daughter's games if at all possible...

“There are many more. The coaches, Scout leaders, clergymen and camp counselors who give their time to our children may not be fathers, but they have a place in their lives.

“This Sunday is a good time to say thanks to all the dads and non-dads who just 'get it.'

“Happy Father's Day to all.”