By Patrick Wood
Publisher, Multimedia Channels

Dear Reader,

It’s easy to become a father. It’s hard to become a good father.

Some guys have a few kids and basically don’t change their own self-centered lives, expecting spouses and partners and the rest of the world to guide and care for their children. Some guys split from their relationship that gener- ated this new addition to the world and don’t own up to the enormous long-term financial responsibilities—the archetypal Deadbeat Dad.

Then there is the guy who is a good father and even a great father. He is making the day-in day-out sacrifice it takes to love and nurture and cherish young lives. He takes on the mantle of fatherhood when his children are born, and the love he gives creates a bond that is eternal. He teaches core values, inspires imagination, and spreads joy in the lives of his kids through his quiet work and example.

A good father carries his half of the household re- sponsibilities and is active in his children’s lives and interests. He shares in the trials and joys of being an integral part of the family. He experiences the satisfac- tion of raising his kids to become value-added adults enriching the world with all that accomplished men and women contribute.

To all those good fathers out there I say, have a Happy Father’s Day; for their less worthy counterparts, I say, step it up and start earning it.