Mike Landess' Blog: Fatherhood Isn't For Wimps

DENVER -- My mother was mortified when my first grade teacher reported that I had told my class, "I have TWO daddies!" If one is good, two must be very special, right?

I am the product of a 'blended' family. I grew up with my mother and step-dad and their daughter (my half-sister).

My biological parents divorced when I was very young and my step-dad raised me. My father remarried and had two daughters (also my half sisters). Each of my 'dads' did their best to be a "good dad" but neither had much of a role model when they were growing up. My step-dad once admitted to me, "I made it up as I went along."

Why am I telling you all of this? Because "blended" families are the norm in America. Any man who aspires to be "a good dad" is someone to admire, respect and support.

Father's Day should be something more than a chance for greeting card people and power tool sellers to make a few extra bucks. It should be a genuine big hug and pat on the back for guys who are probably "making it up as they go along" too. There are a lot more resources out there for dads than mine had available to them. Cards and power tools are nice, but a sincere expression of affection and appreciation is appreciated a whole lot more.

But how about dad's health?

Here's a Father's Day activity you might not have considered. How about sending dad off to the Second Annual Father's Day Brunch at Braun's? It runs from 10 to 2 p.m. at Braun's Bar and Grill (1055 Auraria Parkway, Denver). The cost is $14.99 per person and $9.99 for seniors and kids. Five dollars from each meal goes to the Progress for Prostate Foundation. It will use those funds for the support and treatment of prostate cancer in Colorado. More info is available at Progress4Prostate.org.

I'd better not hear any "Ewwwwww... prostate stuff!" out there!

Encouraging dads to take care of their health isn't for wimps either.