In the book, Mornings on Horseback, historian David McCullough writes of a Civil War regulation that allowed wealthy men drafted from the North to pay a fee and have a commoner substitute for them in battle.  Substitute brokers operated in every northern city.  The substitutes they sent to the Army were a sorry lot, largely criminals and drifters who would desert at the first opportunity.  They were really bad replacements.

Similarly, no one can ever replace you in your most crucial role.  As your children’s father, you have a unique place in their lives and can be a stunning influence for generations to come.  You may be highly dissatisfied in your career, flat broke or the butt of your siblings’ jokes, but you’re spectacularly special because there will never be anyone who can substitute your calling as a father. Here are 10 reasons why you can’t be replaced.

Huddle up with your children tonight and tell them: “I am so happy I am your father because ____.”