I've never taken the time to focus on Father's Day to understand what it really means to me. But as I return to honoring the Heroes in my life, this year, I understand better what being a father really means and the impact those individuals play in our lives. No, I'm not a father, but I've had several father-figures in my life to help me out through life. There have been a number of fathers and father-figures to appear on my heroes page, including my own father, Rich Beaman, my step-grandfather, Curt Goad, my HS band director, Jon Sutton, a good friend's dad, Jeff Rehmel, and even a few mentors, Bob Porento, Boyd Lacy, and Bill Gavaghan.

"Anyone can be a grandfather, but it takes someone special to be a grandpa," reads a decorative pillow at my grandparent's house. I've written about each of the men listed above, but each of them mean something different to me in terms of a "father". For instance, Curt Goad or as we call "Papa", isn't our biological grandfather, but he is our grandpa for what he has done for us in our lives. My dad was ultimately stuck with me in some fashion, but he could've chosen to physically run away from us kids and simply pay child support. I'm very thankful he's been around, though. Papa, on the other hand, had zero obligation to help raise my mom or be a grandpa to her children. I couldn't be more thankful that he chose to do so.

I've learned that anyone can really be a father...provided the biology works out. But it truly takes someone special and caring to be a dad or father-figure. Jon Sutton, though I'm unsure why, did not have children; yet, he was a father-figure to all his "kids" in the band program. He chose to take the time to be there as a role model and mentor to kids throughout the program, providing them with discipline, support, concern, and friendship when needed. That's the difference between being a biological father and a father-figure.

To be honest, and I think you'll all agree, I'd much rather have a father-figure than just a biological father.

That's why I'm so glad that the men in my life have taken the time to be that for me. My dad is an incredible man who genuinely cares about each of his children and wants ONLY the best for us. My Papa is simply the best man I've ever met. Though it took quite awhile, my biological grandfather has a heart of gold and a concern for all of humanity; God has changed his life in many ways. Each of my male mentors have also played an incredible role in my life that I'm forever indebted for. Thank you to each of you. Happy Father's Day