Good fathers are special breeds. Great fathers are one-of-a-kind. What separates the two are very subtle differences that come from within the man himself. No two "great fathers" are exactly alike, but they all go above and beyond to help make sure their children from infants to adults are nourished, sheltered, educated, guided and most importantly cherished and loved.



How can one not marvel at all the sacrifices and hard work a good Father does for his family. He assumes financial responsibility for the household, coaches for his sons, protects his daughters, pampers his wife and even gets the chore of walking the dog or giving the cat a bath. That is why one day a year is not nearly enough to honor Fathers.

As Father's Day makes its approach, the features that turn a good father into a great one deserve some recognition and applause. While great dads tend to shy away from praise, they've earned it!

Great fathers:

Love and cherish their families above all else.

Work hard to help ensure a loving, healthy home for their children to thrive in.

Aren't afraid to hurt a few feelings when one of life's lessons must be taught.

Guide with a firm hand and a loving heart.

Are almost never too busy to answer the questions of the young and inquisitive.

Take time out to play, smile and give well-earned praise.

Know when to stand back and let their precious little one's do it on their own.

Appreciate that every mistake is a lesson waiting to be learned.

Teach respect by giving it and earning it.

Share values, philosophies and a sense of wonder about the world.

Aren't perfect, but they always strive to provide their families with a better life than he had.

Believe in their children and empower them to do so, as well.

If you're lucky enough to have a dad that falls into the "great category," finding the right way to show him just how special he is on Father's Day won't be easy. It can be nearly impossible to find a single gift that says it all. But there are ways to show him how much he means to you.

The best gift for a great father is one that comes with a few simple words attached. Gift baskets, golf equipment, barbecue gear and more can all be the starting point for an ideal Father's Day present. No gift is perfect, however, unless it comes with a heartfelt "I love you Dad" included.

These four little words aren't spoken nearly enough. For all of those who count themselves lucky enough to have great dads, tell them so this Father's Day. Any gift will be the best one ever if it helps convey this sentiment.