What's wrong with trying to be like Dad?

Cal Ripken, Jr., was asked to say a few words about his Dad when his Dad was inducted into the Baltimore Orioles Baseball Hall of Fame in 1996.

Because it was an emotional moment, he struggled to find the right words. Then he told a story about Rachel, his six-year-old daughter, and Ryan, his three-year-old son. They had been bickering for weeks. One day he heard Rachel taunt Ryan, "You're just trying to be like Daddy!"

After a few reflective seconds, Ryan countered, "What's wrong with trying to be like Dad?"

Then, Cal Ripken Jr. looked at his Dad and said, "That is what I have always tried to do - to be a good person and a good father like my Dad."

Good fathers leave indelible mark

Good fathers are among the most needed persons on earth. They often leave their indelible mark on our character.

On Father's Day June 15, we honor our Dads whom we may have admired and imitated as much as Cal Ripken, Jr., admired and imitated his Dad.

Like Mother's Day, Father's Day was inspired by a woman. Mrs. John (Sonora) Dodd wanted a Father's Day to honor her widowed father who heroically raised six children virtually by himself. By promoting Father's Day, Mrs. Dodd wanted her father and other responsible fathers to know that their sacrificial love is appreciated.

Masculine role models

Fathers are important because both sons and daughters hunger for masculine role models whom they can trust, admire, and love.

For example, Donna, my little sister, would wait for Dad when he walked wearily home after a hard day's work. Then she would run and jump into his arms and give him a big hug. Her gesture of love surely must have "made his day" and chased away his weariness.

The way a daughter relates to her Dad may help to determine how she relates to other men. A caring Dad can help to give her a sense of self worth and moral direction. Perhaps the most important gift that a father can give to their son or daughter is to love their mother.

The gift of time

One of the most difficult gifts to give in our "hurry up" world is the gift of quality time. Dad shared large quantities of quality time with me and my siblings. Together we hunted, fished, watched ball games, and drank pop at the local tavern. I spent hours listening to him and his friends share windy stories and tell jokes.

I do not think that my Dad ever told me that he loved me. He did not have to. He showed his love by his good example, by encouraging me, by helping me with my car, and bonding with me in other male ways.

The 'Domestic Church'

The Catechism of the Catholic Church calls the family "the Domestic Church" and the original cell of family life. As father of our family, Dad pointed out to me what I did wrong in a gentle caring way. I listened and sometimes I repented and changed. Some educators call these "teachable moments."

Also, Dad showed me the value of a unique sense of humor. I visited him the day before he unexpectedly died in the hospital. Since it was my birthday, as I left I kidded him that he would probably out-live me. He shook his head and laughed.

His death left an empty space in my heart that I partially fill with memories of the "way we were!" I believe that he is in Heaven, praying for me and enjoying the fullness of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit with Mary, the Saints, and others.

Helps us relate to God

The image that we have of our Father may help us to relate to God, the Father. To know that we are loved is one of the greatest gifts from a parent. But to know that we have a Heavenly Parent who loves us is the most wonderful gift of all.

Thanks to Mrs. Dodd and others, we have a graced opportunity to celebrate and to thank God for the gift of our Father. If he is still alive, we can call or visit him. If he has died, we can pray for him. If he is in Heaven, we can ask him to pray to God for us.

May all Fathers - wherever you are - have a happy Father's Day!

Fr. Don Lange is a pastor emeritus in the Diocese of Madison.