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By Dr James Dobson
I’m told that when I was just a child — maybe two years of age — my family lived in a one-bedroom apartment. My little bed was located beside the bed of my parents. My father said it was common during that time for him to awaken at night to a little voice whispering: “Daddy? Daddy? Daddy?”My father would answer quietly: “What, Jimmy?” And I would say: “Hold my hand!”
And Dad would reach across the darkness and grope for my little hand, finally engulfing it in his.
He later said that the instant he had my hand firmly in his grip, my arm would become limp and my breathing deep and regular. I had immediately fallen back to sleep. You see, I only wanted to know that he was there! Until the day he died, I continued to reach for him — for his assurance, for his guidance, but mostly just to know that he was there.
Now, I stand in my dad’s place. And I want to be there for my children, not just a name on their birth certificate, but a strong, warm and loving presence in their lives.
A father occupies a place in a child’s heart that no one else can satisfy.
To all the men out there who are blessed to be called a father: I urge you to be there for all the little ones in your life who call you “Dad”.
From TODAY, Voices - Friday, 18-June-2010
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