My wife and I were discussing the role of a parent in the family and we both decided that once they have grown up and step out on their own we do not cease to be parents. We can’t call them to task or at least if we do it does not carry the same weight that it did when they were six or seven. Sometimes I wonder just how much weight it carried then as I look back.

            What we do feel is their disappointments, pain, and happiness at success and all in all we share their joys as well as their heartaches.

            This causes me to look back at my childhood when my Dad was king.  It took a little time for me to get used to his kind of love.  It was silent.  The words, “I love you” did not come easy for him.  What he did was live it.  I look back and thank God for that silent but ever present love.

            If you are not a hunter you may think this sounds gross but Dad worked as a sheet metal worker for an airplane manufacturer which was growing strong during World War II but lost much of it’s business after the war ended and the need for F-27 airplanes were not in such great demand.  This meant weeks and sometimes month long layoffs.  So our dinner table was often loaded with fried rabbit or squirrel. 

            Dad took us hunting with him and one Christmas morning my younger brother and I got a twenty-two rifle for a present.  Dad took us hunting.  He used a twelve gauge shotgun but we figured we were better with the rifle since the shotgun had a kick.

            A memory which comes to mind was my first bag.  There was a rabbit sitting in a clump of grass about thirty feet away.  I couldn’t see him but Dad saw his eye.  This man had tremendous eyesight.

            “Come here,” he beckoned me.  “See that clump of grass?”  I didn’t know which of the many clumps he was talking about so he slowly pointed his finger in the direction.

            “Shoot right into that clump,” he instructed.  I was still not sure which one he was talking about even though he had narrowed it down.

            “See that yellow flower?” he asked, pointing to a dandelion.  “Shoot right below it.”  I did and the rabbit jump up and fell over.

            He applauded me although all I did was to shoot where he told me too.  Many fathers today do not have the time or take the time to spend with their kids.  This is sad because the greatest thing they can give while their children are growing up is time spent doing anything.  Father and son bond and it is an emotion which they share long after father is gone to be with God.

            It is more of a challenge today.  I know because now Dad is gone and I am Dad.  Now my son is Dad.  My daughters are both mothers.  It is heartbreaking for them because in this world they must go to work every day when what they really would like is to stay at home with the kids.

            Here is the challenge for today and everyday.  It is a challenge for all the parents out there.  Make time to spend with your kids.  It will not always be easy but believe me when I tell you it will make a difference in their lives.