Dad's to-do list today

To every father reading this editorial, you get a pass today.

Because you're a newspaper reader and we like newspaper readers, we're going to make some generous assumptions about you.We're going to assume that, like most newspaper readers, you care about what's going on around you and you're informed about what's going on around you, and why.

We're going to further assume that because you care about the external world, you also care about internal matters, particularly family. And because we've already ventured fairly far down Assumption Alley, we're going to conclude that as a dad, you do a pretty darned good job, because you know a lot and care a lot.Unfortunately, not every father is a newspaper reader - or a reader at all. Some dads, maybe a lot, leave much to be desired in doing right by their family.

You, good daddies, get a pass today, so the lawn work can wait but you'd best not put off that refreshing glass of lemonade, chips and salsa with the game you want to watch on TV. Play with the kids or grandkids, by all means; you've known for years that the best fun you can have is sharing their fun. Just put the work away for another day.But tomorrow, we have a request.

Seek out a father who might be struggling, who might not be as involved or as responsible as he could or should be. Help him understand that one of society's greatest deficiencies is fathers not following through, not standing up and taking responsibility for their lives and the lives of their family. Let him know that all by himself, he can make a difference in improving not just himself and his family, but his community. Do it lovingly; that's the only way it works. And remember, someone probably showed you the way years ago. If you're lucky, it was a man who shares your name.