Tribute to a good father

June has many memories for me. Jerry and I married in June. My middle son was born in this month. I have two brothers with June birthdays, and it’s the month we celebrate Father’s Day. So, I could write about many events, but I will choose to share with my readers a past article I wrote: “The Greatest Father in the World.”

This Father’s Day I want to pay tribute to the person I consider to be the most important father in the world: Gary Hufford, the daddy of my only granddaughter.

From the fist day of their marriage, Gary shared his wife’s passion to have a baby. Twelve years passed before they saw their dream fulfilled, but I will never forget how tender he was with my daughter through those many years of disappointment when she gave up all hope of being a mother.

When Morgan finally arrived, Gary became "Mr. Mom," staying home with their newborn the first six months of her life. Teresa continued to work because her job offered benefits. The new daddy changed diapers, bathed his daughter, fed her bottles and got up in the middle of the night when she cried.

After Gary decided togo back to work, Teresa soon quit her job, saying, "I didn’t wait all these years to have a baby, just to let someone else raise her." Gary then became the breadwinner. Yet he remained totally involved in his child’s life. He never said, "Wife, you raise the kid, I’ll go to work." It’s been a shared parenting project from the beginning. Gary’s family has always been important to him.

I am constantly amazed at what a good father my son-in-law is. What I most admire about him is the way he takes responsibility for fathering my precious granddaughter. He gives his child as much attention, love, understanding and time as her mother.He loves Morgan and she is secure in that knowledge. He enjoys her and they have fun together. She is never a bother. She knows she is important, cherished, respected and loved by her daddy. It’s a joy watching him as he fathers this strong-willed, creative, active child.

In today’s world, it is complicated, and sometimes downright scary, raising children. But Garygives his daughter the essentials - love and firmness. He is quite a good disciplinarian; Morgan knows to obey her father when he gives that "look," but she can also wrap him around her little finger.

When Morgan was 7 years old, I asked her what she most liked about her dad. She said, "He’s fun!" People often comment on how alike Morgan and Gray are - the same sanguine temperament, both are social, happiest when there’s a party of people around. They can pull a good time out of any old hat. I tell them they are "entertainment looking for an audience."

All girls need a good father, and Gary definitely fills that role for his daughter. Being a master of many trades, he shares his knowledge with his inquisitive daughter. He takes her fishing and helps her bait her hook.He loves playing a guitar and it wasn’t long before he bought Morgan a miniature guitar and began teaching her cords.

He seems to feel nothing is beyond Morgan’s capabilities. If she wants to know how her daddy does something, he takes the time to teach her, whether it’s working on cars or wiring a house. But, when I asked Morgan what she most likes to do with her dad, she said, "Sitting on his lap is my most favorite thing to do." How beautiful.

Lest others might think this man is flawless, let me assure you, I see his faults. But as long as he’s such a good daddy, I’m willing to overlook his shortcomings. He’s not always the perfect husband (What mother would believe that about the man her daughter marries?), but he is so near a perfect father I give him 9 1/2 on a scale of 10.