GAIL WHITE More than Superman: Dads are heroes

For many years, a certain picture has hung in the hallway of our home.
In the background of the picture are the smeary handprints of our children.
In the forefront, the words of a poem weave in and out of the tiny, little hands.
The author of the poem is not known, but the message is timeless.
There are little eyes upon you and they're watching night and day.
There are little ears that quickly take in everything you say.
There are little hands all eager to do everything you do.
And a little boy whose dreaming of the day he'll be like you.
You're the little fellow's idol, you're the wisest of the wise.
In his little mind, about you no suspicions ever rise.
He believes in you devoutly, holds that all you say and do,
He will say and do in your way, when he's grown up, just like you.
There's a wide-eyed little fellow who believes you're always right.
And his ears are always open and he watches day and night.
You are setting an example everyday in all you do,
For the little boy who's waiting to grow up and be like you.
Underneath the poem, on our handprint picture, are the children's names with the inscription, "You're our Hero, Dad!"
Fun times
The picture was a Father's Day present from many years back.
The children stood, all jittery and excited to present him with their masterpiece.
Dad, feeling through the wrapping paper, was expecting to see a picture of a sports star or a famous person in history -- his personal interests that he is not the least bit reserved about sharing with his sons.
He discovered the most "famous star" in the eyes of his children -- Dad.
Dad is the one who allows ball throwing in the house -- and moving the furniture is not out of the question when a bigger playing field is required.
Dad is the one who will wrestle on the bed -- and the floor -- and into the next room.
Dad will allow himself to be buried in the sand at the beach and break out of his captive state like a monster.
Dad is the giver of piggyback rides, the best splasher of pool water, the fixer of bikes and the perpetuator of several disgusting, bad habits.
Discipline
Yet, there is another side of being this hero called Dad.
When chaos has taken over and Mom has worn out her yell, the mere presence of Dad brings order.
Dad is the one who does not allow a "little later" curfew.
Dad is the one those with bad report cards must answer to.
He is the final answer, the last chance, the do-it-right or do-it-again boss.
Dad stands with one loving arm around his children and a paddle in the other.
I have watched my children cry at the window on Monday morning as Dad leaves for work. He was their sunshine all weekend. They were his shadow.
I have watched them wait by the door when he comes home, ready to pounce at his sight.
I have watched them disagree and become angry at his rules and directions. There are times when they have hated their hero.
And I have witnessed the mending of the heart; when the anger turns to respect.
Dad has made mistakes and tried to remember to say he's sorry.
He has been great and expected a loud cheer.
He is a teacher and a coach, a disciplinarian and an instigator, the giver of extravagant toys and the taker of privileges, fun-loving and hard-nosed, a leader and a follower, a mentor and a friend.
Of all the "famous stars" in the world, there is none so special to a child as a Hero Dad.
To every Hero Dad,
Happy Father's Day!
gwhite@vindy.com