By Ralphine Major

While mothers are usually considered the ones who nurture our families, I think of fathers as the backbones of our families.  The summer holiday almost midway between Memorial Day and the Fourth of July is the day set aside as Father’s Day to honor our fathers.  They have traditionally been the  breadwinners who provide for their families.  Sometimes, unforeseen circumstances change their role and call for them to do more.

I think of a father who cared for his four young children and worked a full-time job while his wife spent months recovering in a hospital.  Years later, his grown children said that you could always set your clock by him; and if he told you he would be there at a certain time—he would.

I think of the fathers who have had to leave their families to go serve our country.

I think of three fathers our family has known over the years who have been called to their heavenly home—two of those just this week.

I think of our Heavenly Father who loves us unconditionally.

As we look ahead to the day set aside for our fathers, may we find joy in the memories of those fathers who have passed on and celebrate the lives of the fathers who are still in our midst.  Happy Father’s Day!