Superheroes Walk Among Us

“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.” Psalms 127:3-5

On most days, fathers move about our cities and towns unnoticed, protecting children and saving families. On Father’s Day, though, we celebrate fatherhood and thank dads for their role in maintaining a healthy and stable society.

Men and women are exquisitely different. Fathers are essential to a child’s upbringing because they provide a steadfast fortitude and irreplaceable security and that moms can’t replicate. Correspondingly, a mother’s inherent, nurturing affection can’t be simulated by a man. Reflecting on my own childhood, I experienced how the unique contributions from both a mother and father foster an individual’s well-rounded development.

I lost my mother when I was 12-years-old, following her prolonged battle with cancer. Suddenly, I was thrust into my preteen years with a single parent. Overnight, my dad became the sole provider, personal chauffeur, cook, caretaker, adviser, and tutor to five children. And somehow he managed to do it all — never missing a single recital or game.

God has blessed me with amazing female mentors throughout my young adult life. These incredible women helped fulfill my innate need for a female role model. Likewise, my outstanding dad took me to church, taught me how to distinguish right from wrong, and demonstrated how a godly man acts and treats women.

In 2012, my father was inducted into the Nebraska Fatherhood Hall of Fame after my little sister submitted an essay to Christian Heritage, nominating him. This special recognition not only promotes the value of fatherhood in our state, it also confirmed what my siblings and I already knew. My dad is extraordinary.

To me, my dad is Superman. Raised by a Midwestern family, he lives his life literally pursuing truth, justice, and the American way. He is quick to share the truth of Jesus Christ with anyone he interacts with. As a practicing attorney, my dad seeks justice and fair administration of the law in the courtroom. Patriotism is ingrained in his being, and his life story is a testament to the American Dream.

With his God-given superpowers, he raised five children who became faith-filled, patriotic, professionals who aspire to contribute positively to society. I am so grateful for my dad. Happy Father’s Day to all of the exceptional biological dads, adoptive fathers, foster parents, father figures, and superheroes who walk among us.

Michael Synek (below) poses with his oldest daughter Grace (far left) while holding newborn triplets Christina, Marilyn, and Joseph (left to right).