Tribute to Dads on Father's Day

One of the most important roles a man can play in life is that of father.

Mothers are also essential, of course. But fathers help balance the guidance children need as they grow up.

Traditionally, fathers have been considered "providers." But even as family roles have sometimes evolved, dads are still called upon to display character and consistency while providing protection and love.

Many fathers have also gone above and beyond the call of duty to bring joy into the lives of their children. Just hear a few stories of these incredible fathers...

Having a Ball at Home

A family in England was self-quarantining recently due to the virus. Joel Conder got to feeling sorry for his four young daughters. They were missing out on the typical fun kids have.

One day while his wife and daughters were out, he and a friend turned his house into a giant ball pit.

They scattered some 250,000 small plastic balls in the family room and hallways. So that his daughters could have some fun when they returned.

The kids came into the house before their mother did and gasped in amazement. "Everything was worth it just for that reaction," Conder said. "They were shrieking with laughter. It's honestly one of the best memories I think we will have."

A Dance With Dad

Robby Odgers was concerned about his daughter. Like many teenagers, Marli was disappointed that her senior prom was cancelled by COVID-19.

But on the day on which the prom had been scheduled, she saw a handwritten note on the stairs. It read, "Today is prom. One dance with dad? Will you go with me?"

Marli put on her prom dress and danced with her father to Rascal Flatts's "Bless the Broken Road."

The Alabama teen's sister, Natalie, posted this on Facebook. "My sweet dad made her get up and go to prom this morning. Memories we will cherish forever. Even in the middle of the chaos and craziness."

Daddy Daycare Pays Dividends

Like many men during the coronavirus pandemic, David Gunzburger has been working at home. The lack of a commute has given him more time to spend with his daughters, ages 4 and 5.

He's been able to take them on bike rides and butterfly catching expeditions. He's also helped them grow plants and plan porch picnics. Not to mention overseeing sidewalk art activities.

Gunzburger said he now has a new appreciation for what his wife has been doing the past five years for their family.

"It's easy to put an iPad in front of them," he said. "But you do truly lose what they need."

Gunzburger also has a suggestion for other dads. "If you have time to spend with your family, try not to find excuses to push it off."

'Dad Jokes' Are Nothing to Laugh About

Chicago resident Yair Bernstein likes to tell jokes. While self-isolating, the shot at s sharing his witticisms has been reduced.

But by writing his quips on paper and taping them to the window of his condo, he can share them with neighbors and passersby. Many of his "groaners" are considered "dad jokes" by his kids.

Such as, "I told my wife she should embrace her mistakes… She gave me a hug." And, "The future, the present and the past walked into a bar. Things got a little tense."

Sometimes when the same joke stays up for several days, neighbors start clamoring for a new one. And they'll get something like, "I was wondering why the Frisbee was getting bigger. Then it hit me."

Wish I'd Said That

Here are a few quotes about fathers from people you may be familiar with.

From Hall of Fame baseball player Harmon Killebrew. "My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard. Mother would come out and say, 'You're tearing up the grass.' Dad would reply, 'We're not raising grass. We're raising boys.'"

From Bible scholar David Jeremiah. "A girl's father is the first man in her life. And probably the most influential."

From actress Hedy Lamarr. "I am not ashamed to say that no man I ever met was my father's equal. And I never loved any other man as much."

From psychologist Sigmund Freud. "I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection."

Whether these inspiring stories are told by the dads themselves or the children who love them, the theme that runs throughout them is that no matter how difficult things may be, no matter how hard times may get, you can always count on dad.