As Father’s Day approaches, I naturally think of my dad and how much I miss him. But for the last four years, I have enjoyed sitting back and watching my son, Chris, step into the role of ‘father’. It is one he has taken to quite naturally and quite well.

Of course, in my opinion, he had good examples to follow and I see a little of each one of them in his fathering techniques. I see the whimsy and humor of his Papa, Roy King. Papa was always ready with a new game or silly song or teasing until the tears of laughter ran down your face. But most of all, I see the great love Papa had for Chris, and for all of his family. He was openly generous with hugs and kisses and praises.

I see the strength and patience of his Grandpa, Joe Pratt. Roy’s birth and subsequent special needs have called on that strength to move ahead and make the most of what Roy is able to do and to do it without any hesitation. Chris and his Grandpa loved to fish…and would do it for hours…and that takes patience. And being a dad…facing all that raising a child entails…requires patience. Chris is so patient with Roy, showing and teaching him new things every day. He is also following in his grandfather’s footsteps in passing on that love of learning…that there is something new to be learned everyday.

Of course, I see his dad, Rod, so many times. I see the determination and willingness to provide the best ‘world’ possible for his son. That is his job and he is more than willing to do it. Even when that means going back to college at age 34 to get that degree in engineering to be able to do things to help Roy and others like him…to research all the opportunities out there for therapies or treatments to help Roy along in overcoming his limitations. But it is not just out of obligation…oh no…it is out of great love for that little man put in his care.

When you see Chris and Roy together, it is apparent to the most casual observer that they adore one another. There are many days that I wish that Roy’s great-grandfathers could see him and he could come to know them. But then again, he is getting to know them through his own dad. What a lucky little guy he is!