I hope this year’s Father’s Day brings new insight and appreciation for those special and selfless men who take on the job of being a good dad, especially those who have young boys.

Years ago, while cleaning out a drawer in my old family farmhouse, I found a small book entitled The Greatest Thing in the World by Henry Drummond that was published in 1887. In his book, he describes a gentleman as a man, “who always does things gently, with love.” Inspired by that statement, I wrote my second book, Max of Morgan Hill. The book is about a one-eyed pony named Max and a wise, old owl named Mr. Woo. Young Max is helped on his journey to becoming a gentleman by wise Mr. Woo.

A good dad or father figure is a priceless gem in the lives of both girls and boys, but especially boys at this time in history when I believe boys and men are being marginalized. May God bless all the men who take on the important work of mentoring boys and demonstrating to girls what and who is a gentleman.