Across the land on this coming Sunday children, depending on their ages, tastes and budgets, will hand their fathers soapon a-rope, ties, handkerchiefs, fishing lures, golf clubs, tickets to sports events, plastic trophy cups inscribed "World's Greatest Dad" and all manner of Father's Day gifts. In return, it is hoped, fathers will have given their children the greatest gift any father can give a child- themselves.

The role of father in the human family has evolved throughout history and continues to evolve still. Distant authority figure, playfellow, advisor, companion, teacher- at one time or another fathers have played all these parts. In some cases they continue to play them at different times in a child's life. Whatever the role at whatever the time in the life of parent and child both, one thing is clear: a father's presence makes a difference. A little girl learns how to be a woman with men, a little boy learns how to be a man with men. Such lessons can be learned only if a man is present in a child's home and life.

On this Father's Day 2008, we hope all our readers will take a moment to appreciate the person who embodies the word "father" in their lives. Whoever your particular father or father figure may be, he helped you to become whoever it is that you are. "Thank you" is never inappropriate, and all the gift any father really wants.