A Special Father's Day Tribute
A Special Father's Day Tribute
Congressman Mike Turner usually writes a weekly column in this space about a lot of different subjects. This week we are his guest columnists. Our names are Jessica and Carolyn Turner and we call Congressman Turner, "Dad." Since this week is Father's Day, one of the gifts we're giving our dad is a little extra time by writing his column this week.
This year, June 18 is when the nation officially stops to recognize and celebrate our fathers. One year, just before Father's Day, we were shopping at the mall to find a present for our dad. We found a plaque that read: "Anyone can be a father, but it takes something special to be a dad." We knew that was true and that we had found the perfect gift for our dad.
Here are some important traits we think a dad has:
A dad has the patience to teach his children right from wrong;
A dad shows his children love even when things go wrong;
A dad always finds time to listen and show you he cares;
A dad dares you to dream, then helps you follow those dreams;
A dad also helps prepare you for the real world;
A dad helps boys grow up into gentlemen and girls into ladies.
Our dad used to swing us around in his arms when we were little and he always makes us laugh. He told us the major lesson to remember when growing is: "You don't know everything and there is always some risk." Remembering that we don't always know the answer is helpful because our life is a search to find more answers. And while we can try almost anything, we must always weigh the risks against the rewards.
Our dad has always provided a happy house for us. He protects us and teaches us to take care of ourselves. For example, our dad has a black-belt in Takewando. It is an activity that we do together as a family. In addition to being a lot of fun and good exercise, it is something our dad has helped teach us so we can protect ourselves physically.
Also, on Father's Day don't forget grandfathers. Both of our grandpas tell us stories about our families' traditions and the history of the areas where they came from. We appreciate this because it's a first hand account of how things were different only a few decades ago. We never get tired of hearing their stories because they teach us lessons, too.
We asked our dad what he did in Congress to thank his dad and recognize the role of all fathers. He said he cosponsored a resolution in the House. We looked it up, and it is called the resolution "Supporting Responsible Fatherhood, Promoting Marriage, and Encouraging Greater Involvement of Fathers in the Lives of Their Children, Especially on Father's Day." The resolution honors the role of fathers, as the two of us are aiming to do today. It asks all fathers to help their children in school, and with other important parts of their development.
We are fortunate to have a great father, and two wonderful grandfathers, who are involved and interested our lives. Remember, while we celebrate fatherhood on Father's Day, you don't have to wait until next year to say, "Dad, I love you!"
http://www.house.gov/miketurner/news/columns/6.16.06.shtml