In my haste to find the perfect Father’s Day card at the last minute this morning, I went to CVS and read every card still in the stands. Struck by the quips and cartoons, I found that the messages on most covers relegated Dads to stereotypes and a basal list of responsibilities. If taken as true, what I was left to believe about Dads from my morning at CVS was this…

• Dads mow grass.
• Dads fire up the grill.
• Dads like power tools and muscle cars.
• Dads love dogs.
• Dads are really happy when they have control of the TV remote.
• Dads are even happier if they can drink beer and have control of the remote.
• Dads are happiest though, if you let them nap and do nothing.
• Dads really like to nap.

Sure, there are the sentimental cards with less satire and more cursive, but in my humble opinion, most are full of fluff and void of sincerity.

No card seemed worthy, because what I believe about a Father’s significance is so much more.  Their value extends beyond any honey-do list, and their identity cannot be summed up in their hobbies. From a lucky daughter’s perspective, their role is vital to happy families and healthy communities.

If I should start writing cards, I would celebrate these messages.

• Dads are heroes.
• Dads laugh with their kids and make their kids laugh.
• Dads are continually learning.
• Dads make sacrifices for their children.
• Dads ensure their kids know that they are beautiful, handsome, capable, treasured.
• Dads make their kids believe that the world is their oyster.
• Dads are leaders in their families.
• Dads teach their kids to dream. Nothing is impossible to Dads.
• Dads take their kids on adventures and make adventures out of the ordinary.
• Dads enjoy life and living it well with their family.

I have a book in my head about a Father’s role, specifically the one they play to their daughters, but today I just want to say Happy Father’s Day to the heroes out there.

I hope you felt celebrated while sipping your drinks of choice and enjoying your favorite pastimes, but we celebrate you for being more. Never underestimate your value to your children. You are irreplaceable.

Happy Father’s Day.