My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.
- Jim Valvano

Today we celebrate fathers, men whose roles are complex and who often evoke complicated feelings among their children.

While mothers are gifted with a spiritual bond with their children, fathers have to work a little harder to re-create that same God-given bond.

Many of us grew up in an age where the iconic vision of a dad was displayed weekly on the "Father Knows Best" television series. As the sands of time continue to fall, we wonder if at some time in the future that television series will come to stand as an example of what men were like during our time.

In reality, the father character in "Father Knows Best" was often more myth than truth.

The majority either had dads or were dads, or both, who woke up early each morning and went to work. Some of those fathers had to work two jobs, while mom stayed home and took care of the house and the children. That was tradition and that's how it was.

If you were fortunate enough to have a dad who took the time to play catch, take you fishing or sit down and really talk to you, that was a major blessing.

As we grew older, most of us began to better understand and respect our fathers. We realized they had instilled in us a work ethic, a sense of responsibility and an appreciation and respect of the strength that fathers bring to the family structure.

Unfortunately, because of the economic and social pressures of every day life, many fathers weren't able to reach those idealistic heights. We came to realize they were flawed men, who needed our love and respect as much as we had sought theirs.

If you were or are fortunate enough to have a dad who took the time to provide counsel, play and support you through the good times and the bad, you, indeed, have a dad who deserves to be honored and celebrated.

Happy Father's Day dad. We love you and thank you for bringing stability to our lives and teaching us the best way that you knew how.