Famous Words for Dads

Each Father's Day many of us reach for the words of famous men and women to express our gratitude to the man we call "Dad." To help you in this year's quest for the right sentiment, I have organized a number of "Father's Day Quotes" and a few thoughts of my own to assist you in honoring all the fathers in your life.

"When Charles first saw our child Mary, he said all the proper things for a new father. He looked upon the poor little red thing and blurted, 'She's more beautiful than the Brooklyn Bridge.'"~ Helen Hayes

I have experienced the pleasure of seeing more than one father greet their newborn for the first time. Every man's expression has been different with at least one unable to form tangible sentences. The experience of human birth is overwhelming even humbling. It can only be personalized through the eyes of a father.

The most important thing that a father can do for his children is to love their mother. ~ Theodore M. Hesburgh

Recently while talking with my dad, I attempted him to pay him a compliment of how he raised my sisters and me. Quickly my father reminded me that he didn't raise us, our mother did. I believe many men feel this way without giving themselves credit for one of the important tasks that they have. A father needs to love and respect his baby's mother.

I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection. ~Sigmund Freud

If a father can wrap his mind around this principle and act upon it half of his work as a dad maybe done.

My father taught me to work; he did not teach me to love it. ~Abraham Lincoln

In watching the men in my life, I have observed great pleasure for the man that provides for his household. Any job is still spelled W-O-R-K but loving the people that benefit can make it bearable.

One father is more than a hundred schoolmasters. ~ English Proverb

Whether you are actively participating in your child's life or you are a passive observer, you still are a teacher.

He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it. ~ Clarence Budington Kelland

This is fatherhood at its best when your life is the sermon. One of my daughters married last year to a young man who speaks of his father on these terms. The wedding renewed my faith in the process of marriage and parenthood as I watched the audience of this man's family join the newlyweds on the floor. There were two sets of grandparents, siblings and spouses who were still together after raising babies and most likely a little bit of hell. A great example for a great promise.

A new father quickly learns that his child invariably comes to the bathroom at precisely the times when he's in there, as if he needed company. The only way for this father to be certain of bathroom privacy is to shave at the gas station.~Bill Cosby

During his years as a comedian, educator, entertainer and advocate, Bill Cosby put a smile on "Fatherhood" by reminding another generation or two of the pure joy that fatherhood brings.

A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty. ~ Unknown

It ain't money in the bank but it is something you can take with you.

Don't make a baby if you can't be a father. ~ National Urban League Slogan

For the love of child, choose personal accountability.

"Let me tell you a secret about a father's love......" ~ Love Without End, Amen.Aaron Barker, Songwriter, recorded by George Strait. Check the YouTube links provided for a few "home-spun" videos set to the song track.

There are so many reasons to honor your dad. I hope your search ends with the fondest of memories as mine has. To my dad, Robert G. Johnson, I dedicatethis chorus to Love Without End, Amen as a tribute for all you have done for me.

"Let me tell you a secret about a father's love,
A secret that my daddy said was just between us."
He said, "Daddies don't just love their children every now and then.
It's a love without end, amen, it's a love without end, amen."