A tip of my Webb Weekly baseball cap with the American flag to all the dads out there.

We are at a time in history when we need more men stepping up to fill the fatherly role, not just to father children.

Being a dad through the good, the bad, and often the unexpected is true selflessness. You never know where life is going to take you, let alone when you add children who are now dependent upon your actions for love, guidance, and direction. Fatherhood is a lifetime commitment that presents many different challenges as your children live their journey here on God’s green earth. There has only been one Father and Son team that didn’t make any mistake when it comes to the mortal world.

Being a dad is not about being perfect; it’s about always being there, especially when your child’s life may be imperfect. It’s about learning from your parental mistakes and changing your approach. It’s about being selfless and using your own mistakes to hopefully educate and nurture a future father or mother. A good person who fills these fatherly shoes often does it in other walks of life as a coach, teacher, or even with other family members where these fatherly footsteps are missing. Thank you to all the grandfathers who seem to have bigger fatherly shoes to fill in today’s world.

I was very blessed to have my Dad as long as I did. It’s hard to believe it will soon be 13 years since he passed. As good as a father he was, he was an even better grandfather to Jimmy and Hunter. I only wish he would have had more years to spend with us. As I am learning, as you grow older, you grow wiser. I now understand better why my Dad was so very tough on me and had such a kinder, loving, and relaxed approach with Jimmy and Hunter.

My advice to everyone is to understand how short time really is and to value and get the most out of the days with your father, grandfather, and those who sometimes just seem like they’ll be here forever. I was blessed to have very strong fatherly figures in my life growing up, which included my Grandfather, Pappy Maietta, and my Stepfather, Leonard Gabriel. Nothing prepares you for that day when you wake up; now, you’re the head of the family. I must add I’m sure I would have had a special relationship with my Grandfather Webb, but he passed when I was only 6 months old.

So again, Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there, and just a quick note to Hunter and Jimmy: I love being a doggy granddad but would love to extend my doggie daycare program to children.

So, now on to some possible Father’s Day gift ideas. A recent infomercial I’ve watched tells me I’ve had the name wrong on one of them. As our Great American Cookout summer prize giveaway continues, I have learned that what I’ve been calling a grill is a Blackstone Two Burner Griddle. This would make a great late Father’s Day gift. Maybe this week, you write in the fatherly figure in your life’s name and get the entry form into our lucky top hat at the front of the office. Full information can be found on page 4.
Both my boys love cooking on a Blackstone. I have been fortunate over the last year as they have pretty much taken over grilling duties at my house, or maybe griddle duties is more accurate.

My next Father’s Day idea comes a little sooner than I originally thought; it’s a Crosscutters Grand Slam Giveaway offer with a twist. There are so many dads, grandfathers, and families connected by baseball and softball it just seemed to be fitting. So, here are the details with only one change from the normal: I would like you to win the tickets to take that fatherly figure, or figures, in your life.
A quick reminder: there will be four winners of four tickets, $40 worth of Cutters Cash towards dinner, and four fist bumps from Rhashan. Now, please read carefully to help include everyone in our distribution area. Call or text me at 570-337-0755, beginning this Thursday, June 12, at 9:00 a.m.

Then simply tell me who you’re taking to the game. The four winners will be determined by the time of the text or call in case I’m speaking with somebody else. You can choose the game you would like to attend at Historic Bowman Field. And I trust all my readers to put father first during the week of Father’s Day.

Let’s all be safe out there and enjoy all the June celebrations and events.

God Bless America.