The Boy Without a Father

    Many young boys have the joy of spending warm summers nights playing catch with their fathers. I think that is most classic images of America. The meaning of such a simple thing is captured best in the finale of one of my all time favorite movies. "Field of Dream" holds a very special place in my heart. I think there are some very deep truths about following something (a voice) in faith. But there is also the protagonist final line of the film "Hey dad want to have a catch?". It speaks to a longing in all young men to connect with their fathers. Maybe that's why i connect with it so deeply as i still have that longing. "Catch" is a funny game. On the outside its just tossing a ball back and forth. But to the father and son dynamic it speaks giving one's time taking time. Trust in one another is required. there's also teaching involves, passing on techniques and skills to improve. Knowledge being passed one, from father to son. Idle conversation about wide range of topics and deepen bonds while doing something that seems modane.      

    Now what of the boys who don't have someone to throw a ball to? what is lost when a father is not on the other end of a son's toss? I believe there is something deeply lost in a young boy's life. That loss is different for each. Some may have lost that father to death, some to divorces, and others to a father who never intend to be one. whatever the situation that boy faces, it is inevitable they will miss out on something needed in their life. but if that boy is lucky enough, in step heroes. Men who may or may not be related to that young man step up and do their best to fill that void. Last year for Father's Day, I posted the following on Facebook, and I feel it needs to be said again for this Father's Day.     

“Happy Father’s Day! to all those stalwart Dads for their sacrifice, love, and support. 
Happy Father’s Day! to all those fathers that stuck around and were an active part of their children’s. life even when it may not have been easy. 
Happy Father’s Day! to all those men that filled in for missing fathers. 
Happy Father’s Day! To all those men who have the desire to be a father but have not had the opportunity. 
May we all be grateful if you we have anyone of these men in our life’s” 

I still fully believe every one of these men mentioned above make the world a better place for young boys and girls. Sons and daughters There is a power and influence fathers can have on a young child’s life. Sometimes good and sometimes bad. Hopefully the good can greatly out-way the bad.

Many of you who read this may know and I’m sure many of you don’t know, that a majority of my life has been spent, without a father. I don’t tend to talk about it much. I don’t wear it on my sleeve as a badge of pity. But I speak about it here to make it clear why I posted what I posted last year. My gratitude for these men is beyond words. I may not ever be fully away of the impact they have had on my life. My father chose not to be an active part of my life. I believe the correct word to use is estranged.  But there were good men around me my whole life who were. And many of them had their own families but they took the time to offer me a small slice of what I didn’t have in my own. So, if any of those men come across this post- and they know who they are- thank you from the deepest parts of my hearty. 

I may be a boy without a father of my own, but I was a boy with examples of good fathers/men around me. they deserve to be celebrated on a day set aside for fathers. 

“On this Father’s Day, I express gratitude for fathers everywhere who set righteous examples. A father’s love, persistence, and dedication leave a lasting impression on all of us. May we continue to look to our Heavenly Father as the prime example for all we do.” —Tweet from Elder Rasband, June 21, 2020

I would add this applies to all men, whether father, uncle, brother, or friend. If you are you are a positive influence in a child's life then father's day is meant for you