I’m dedicating my column this month to men, since June is the month we honor fathers.

But, should we?

Webster’s dictionary defines a father as an “originator, a begetter.’  An act, that takes a few seconds of pleasure, sometimes results in a creation that lasts a lifetime.

Many fathers fail to “man up” and choose to run from this lifetime commitment – physically, emotionally or financially.

But those who stay and try their best are called “dads” and Webster defines them as “buddy, pal.”

Dads love to share their passions by teaching us what they know and love.

My dad loved sports, and being a girl was no excuse for not learning how to play hockey, baseball and shoot pool.   These experiences taught me how to compete and interact with the opposite sex.

Working hard and living up to your responsibilities was his foundation, which provided me with a foundation.

His simple Sunday drives instilled a desire to look beyond our boundaries and explore.

Most importantly, he shared his faith and it was evident that is what carried him through the dark times.

But dads aren’t perfect.  I often resented his strictness and discipline.  Upon reflection, I realize all he wanted to accomplish was to share his values and hope they would become ours.  He was just a man, trying to be a good parent by drawing on his upbringing and the norm at the time.

Unfortunately, not everyone is blessed to have someone who cares enough to discipline, teach them the skills to survive on their own and how to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

Maybe that’s because it’s a full-time job and you have to be present in mind and body.  Just providing a home is not enough if you are spending most of your free time with your friends, hobbies, video games and sports.

Boys look to their dad’s example to learn the basic three “C’s” every boy needs – competing, courage and commitment.  They see how men handle family responsibilities – from working to support a family to fixing things around the house.

Girls look to their dads to feel loved and protected and to know that, at least to one man, they will always be a princess.

The most valued lesson children learn is how men and women interact and respect one another in a loving relationship with all of life’s ups and downs.

Without this positive male influence in the life of a child, they have low self-esteem and will always wonder how the begetter can forget them.  The hole in their heart is deep, never fills and their anger often remains hidden or explodes into reckless behavior.

In short, the overall well-being of a child is influenced by whether they have a dad or a father.  These complicated relationships either mold or break us.

Dads, thank you for sharing your passions, uniqueness and values with your children.  It may seem at times your efforts go unnoticed, but be assured your dedication and example is the foundation for future generations.

Fathers – your lack of effort is noticed.  But, it’s never too late to recommit your time, talent, energy and resources to your children, no matter where they live.

For those who are neither, remember being a dad isn’t for everyone.  And, that’s OK.  By knowing this, you can take the necessary precautions to avoid becoming a father.

We have lots of fathers. What we need are more dads.

So let’s rephrase this holiday in June from Happy Father’s Day to Happy Dad’s Day and put the honor and thanks where it really belongs.