I sent W an email about youngest question. I followed it up with another saying the kids are obviously starting to have a tough time so let's pour it on this week.

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One of the things Religious Friend was talking about yesterday was the importance of fatherhood. I don't know why it didn't make it into the list above. But the article in the Atlantic (see Smiley's thread) really made it jump out at me late last night and I just about cried when it hit me. Forgive me for missing this.

Fatherhood is not an anachronism. Nor is motherhood (see authors self-centered comments that motherhood to her meant Spongebob and left-over mac-n-cheese). Our children need us now more than ever. They need us to lead. They need us as role models.

The author's attitude towards parenting hit me like a slap in the face. Are we to just let the little ones can take care of themselves so we can live a life full of adult distractions?

I don't know why I'm preaching to the choir this. We know this already. But my mission in Db'ing just changed. It's not only about recognizing the strength and value of marriage but the role of fatherhood. It was always there but now it's job one.

In one of the online videos Michelle Weiner Davis talks about being a guerilla DivorceBuster. When a friend's marriage is in trouble don't just be a friend, but ask tough questions and get them to think. Above all provide that one thing that the rest of the world seems to take away: hope.

I feel that same spirit should be applied to fatherhood. When the world applies an attitude that parenting is a quirky anachronism of another time, we need to prove it's not. Our role is needed more than ever.

(OrangeDog had to vent.)

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In another thought I'm thinking of Cliff Huxtable from "Cosby". What a great dad he was. Yes, it can be "cool" to be a dad. Thank you Bill Cosby.

"My actions are my only true belongings. I cannot escape the consequences of my actions. My actions are the ground upon which I stand." Thich Nhat Hanh