Happy Father's Day, Daddy

If a little girl is lucky, she has a daddy.

There are dads and fathers, but daddies are special.

Dads and fathers are, don't get me wrong, wonderful, caring and giving men. They love their children and do all in the power to protect and cherish their children.

Daddies, however, go beyond the "Leave it to Beaver" and "Father Knows Best" style of parenting. They read bedtime stories with funny voices, they let their little girls dress them up in frilly outfits, but let them play in the dirt for hours making mud cakes.

They take them camping, or shopping at the mall (even though they may end the shopping expedition waiting on a bench "resting.")

They eat early attempts at making cookies and say they are delicious.

They indulge without shame, but know when to enforce the rules.

They protect and feel no compunction about letting others know that if you hurt their little girl, you won't like the consequences.

I am lucky. I have a daddy.

Happy Father's Day.

? Caroline Lobsinger is the managing editor of the Bonnr Cunty Daily Bee.