Earning Fathers' Day

Have you earned your Fathers' Day accolades this year? I am talking about the type of work that was put in by the father who inspired the holiday to begin with. Since Father's Day is exactly 30 days from now, it is the perfect time to challenge ourselves as fathers and do a little something extra each day to earn the honors we will receive this Fathers' Day.

Fathers' Day began as a way to show some love to a single dad. Of course it was his proud daughter who started it all. Back in 1909 while listening to a Mothers' Day sermon rightfully praising moms for their work, Sonora Smart Dodd couldn't help but reflect on her dad who raised six children by himself after their mother died during child birth. She wanted to say thanks for the selfless effort he exerted each day. The next year in June was the first recognized Fathers' Day celebration in the U.S.

Take this bit of truly heroic history and run with it. Make the commitment to be there and throw the ball around more or sit on the edge of the bed each night to hear about their day. Start or finish that project the kids keep hearing you brush off with "I'll do it next weekend". Consistency is the key, it doesn't have to be anything monumental.

My goals:

• Post three new entries a week here at primopapa.com. I want my son to be able to look back on this and see how important is was for me to be someone he could be proud to pattern himself after.

• Clean the garage to make a workout/ play area. The extra space will be great for him to play on a rain day next winter and see what it takes for daddy to stay in shape.

• Step it up a notch at work because I am thankful to have a job in this economy, and my family will reap the benefits.

What are you going to do to earn your Father's Day festivities?