I'd like to wish a particularly happy Father's Day to all the uncles, older brothers, foster dads, step-dads, granddads, friends' dads, dads' friends, and everyone else who's ever made a difference in the life of a child that wasn't their own.

I grew up with a single mom, and all those men made all the difference in my life. So many of the best and brightest memories of my childhood involve my best friend's dad, Bob. So much of what is good in me is from him. Bob taught me how to be a man without me even realizing it. Words fail me in expressing my gratitude for everything he did for me.

And that's something I try to take with me in my life, and something we should all try to be more conscious of as we walk through this world. Young men need our help, young women need our help. Be that man.