Father's Day 2015
Sometimes words that come in my Father's Day message flow easily; this year, unfortunately, they don't. I usually have this message written well in advance for Father’s Day because something, somewhere along the line triggers me. I never really got the trigger this year until I helped at a football camp for autistic and disabled children. That camp was held at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
After helping to set up there was some time to relax and talk with the man that runs this foundation and a couple of the guests that he had that help. Until I stepped up and introduced myself I had never met these people, I had only heard about them. I quickly learned that these were dedicated fathers who saw a need in the community and work providing something that others did not. To Dave Stynchula, Coach Mike, and Pete Johnson, I say thank you for your service to all the communities where you provide these special camps. I had a blast and I will be back next year to help and at any other camp, I can.
There is a bit of a back story that relates to my father
that I told that day to Pete Johnson. 
For those
that don't know who is, he played football for Ohio State and did play with the
Cincinnati Bengals and the Chargers in the NFL. As we were talking, I told
them that where we were was the second closest I had ever gotten to the Hall of
Fame and that I had never been inside the building. I explained that I grew up
15 minutes north of the Hall of Fame and my father and I made one trip together
to go to the Hall. We got to the front doors, but they were locked, the hall
was closed that day, and for some reason, we never went back. Now 50 years
later I was standing on those grounds remembering that trip and realized what a
special day that could have been. They all looked at me in disbelief at what I
just told them.
Well, I will admit that I did have fun at my own expense
later with Pete Johnson when we had to be let into the building for a 
“personal relief” break. As we were walking down the hall I turned around
and said, "Well Pete, you have now done something with me that my
father did not do, you got me inside the building." A simple
statement that made grown men chuckle.
That day taught me a lot about the needs of children with special problems.
That day taught me a lot about the parents of those children.
That day taught me a lot about those children.
That day showed that every child is God’s gift, no matter how
challenged. Every moment should be cherished and blessings counted not by the
hours but by the seconds they fill. 
I will return to help next year.
We have all missed opportunities in our lifetime and I realized that day that my father and I missed one. As I toured the Hall of Fame for the first time with a friend later that day looking at the displays and reading the stories of the game, I thought about the disappointment of not getting to do the tour with my father. I stopped and said a silent prayer that I hoped God allowed him to enjoy the view that my earthly eyes were giving him.
Take the time this Father's Day to do something with or for your child or with your father that you have never done and always wanted to do. Don't do as I did and wait 50 years to complete a started project. It may be something simple but in the end, you will have done it.
God bless and use every moment you have to your advantage to strengthen the relationship with your child and the relationship you have with your father.
Legislative Director
440-281-5478
president@ohiofamilyrights.com
