An 11-year-old boy walks out into his backyard, ball and glove in his hands. The young boy is very excited that it is actually summertime. He gets into his pitching stance and stares down his imaginary opponent. The boy delivers his first pitch for a strike, but something about the pitch just isn't quite right. Instead of a man in his late 30s holding out his catcher's mitt waiting for his son to deliver the pitch, the boy's brave mother is knelt down ready to catch her son's fastball. Even though the boy is filled with excitement about baseball season finally arriving, the thought of his father not being on the other side crushes him. What was supposed to be a fun-filled evening of baseball has left the boy feeling empty because of his father's absence.

This is a prime example of how children feel when their fathers are not involved in their lives. There are too many children that are left growing up in a fatherless household. I don't know any detailed statistics on the issue, but I do know that a substantial amount of youth have to deal with this ongoing feeling of abandonment. Not every situation is the same, though. There are some kids whose fathers have passed away, are sacrificing their lives overseas, or work a job that requires a lot of travel. Situations like these do have effects on a young child. I'm not necessarily talking about these examples.

The situations I am talking about are when a father is capable of being there for his child or children, but just refuses to be there. The cases I am referring to are the ones where a mother has to make up a lie so her child doesn't feel unwanted. Or when a father promises his son that he will attend one of his baseball games, then the son keeps his eyes wandering out of left field looking back to see if his father has arrived yet. Innings pass by, but still the dad hasn't shown. The poor child has to walk out of the baseball park heartbroken, and he can't help but sob when he gets back home. That is the type of situation that tears me up inside. No, I'm not a father, nor do I have experience in parenting, but I do know that being a father is a blessing from God, not a right. When you are a father, you have the capability to put a young man/woman on the right path laid out for them by instilling in them the same beliefs as you. I cannot grasp why someone would turn their back on their own flesh and blood. There is no way to predict how a child's life will turn out when they are left with that empty space in their lives.

Every situation turns out differently. In most cases, when you hear of a young teenager being disrespectful, acting out or committing criminal acts, it usually involves a fatherless home. I know that is not true for everyone, but 99 percent of the time I believe that is the main reason. Luckily, there are good people out there to rescue these unfortunate kids. Luckily, some children are blessed with a Godly mother, wonderful grandparents, or a stern uncle that will love them unconditionally. I think I speak for everyone when I say, "Thank you" to the people out there that have a beautiful heart and actually care to invest their love in these children.

One day I hope these fathers realize what a wonderful child they missed out on getting to watch grow who became gifted young men and women. I hope they realize all the laughs, good and bad tears, sports, graduations, and just all of the unforgettable moments they could have experienced with the person God gave to them to love and care for, but they missed out. When I am blessed with a child or children, I can promise to them they will receive everything I can offer. My children will have the love, support, discipline, and absolutely everything that a father is supposed to give.

I cannot wait until I meet you, and I promise you I will always love you.