From son to father: A letter to dad

"When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years." -- Mark Twain.

SHE SAID: I asked Bob to write this week's column about being a divorced dad in honor of Father's Day.

After several hours thinking about it, he called me and said he couldn't do it.

His reason nearly made me cry.

He said, "I don't think I am a very good dad."

I am not a product of divorced parents, but from the experience I've gained with Bob and stepson Drew, I know that form of family isn't always easy.

I bet a lot of dads -- divorced or not -- have doubts about the kind of parent they are.

I know there's so much more Bob would like to do for and with his son.

But I also know he does a lot with the time he has. The evidence is in how great a kid Drew is, despite the fact that mom and dad don't live under the same roof.

So I thought about all the ways I could convince Bob that he is a good dad. But then I realized, there's someone else who can say it much better.

DREW SAID: Dear Dad,

I wanted to write this letter to tell you you don't need to worry about me.

I am strong and smart and witty -- in part because of you (also I have short, fat fingers because of you).

We love some of the same things -- like baseball and Albert Pujols. And chocolate cake.

To me, you are strong and mighty. You tell bad jokes, but sometimes I laugh at them anyway.

I love when we play baseball in the backyard, board games at the kitchen table and watch the Cardinals.

Sometimes we argue with each other. But in the end, I still love you no matter what.

You're the best dad ever.

Love,

Drew

cmiller@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 128