2016-06-30

With this year's Father's Day approaching, it's occurred to me that this country is missing a holiday. Stepfather's Day.

If anyone deserves a special day, it's these brave souls who've had to carve out a place for themselves in ready-made families with the care and caution of a neurosurgeon. That's why we have a Bobber's Day in our family. It's our own version of Stepfather's Day, named after Bob the stepfather. Here's why we celebrate it.

 


The Bobber has just moved in.

"If you do anything to hurt my mother, I could put you in the hospital, you know," says the college boy, who is far bigger than the stepfather.

"I'll keep that in mind," says the Bobber.

More for Father's Day:

  • Everything I Need to Know ...I Learned From My Kids!

  • Jean Fitzpatrick on Fathers and Spirituality


  • "You're not going to start telling me what do," says the junior high school boy. "You aren't my father."

    "I'll keep that in mind," says the Bobber.


    The college boy is on the phone. His car has broken down 45 miles from home.

    "I'll be right there," says the Bobber.


    The vice principal is on the phone. The junior high school boy has been in a fight.

    "I'll be right there," says the Bobber.


    "I need a tie to go with this shirt," says the college boy.

    "Pick one out of my closet," says the Bobber.

    "I need a jacket to go with this tie," says the boy.

    "Pick one out of my closet," says the Bobber.

    More for Father's Day:

  • Everything I Need to Know ...I Learned From My Kids!

  • Jean Fitzpatrick on Fathers and Spirituality


  • "You need to get your ear pierced," says the junior high school boy.

    "You need to stop burping at the table," says the Bobber.

    "I'll try," says the boy.

    "I'll think about it," says the Bobber.


    "What did you think of my date last night?" asks the college boy.

    "Does it make a difference?" asks the Bobber.

    "Yes," says the boy.


    "I need to talk to you," says the junior high school boy.

    "I need to talk to you," says the Bobber.


    "We should have a stepfather-stepson bonding experience," says the college boy.

    "Doing what?" asks the Bobber.

    "Changing the oil in my car," says the boy.

    "I knew it," says the Bobber.


    "We should have a stepfather-stepson bonding experience," says the junior high school boy.

    "Doing what?" asks the Bobber.

    "Driving me to the movies," says the boy.

    "I knew it," says the Bobber.


    More for Father's Day:

  • Everything I Need to Know ...I Learned From My Kids!

  • Jean Fitzpatrick on Fathers and Spirituality

  • "If you drink, don't get in the car. Call me," says the Bobber.

    "Thanks," says the college boy.


    "If you drink, don't get in the car. Call me," says the college boy.

    "Thanks," says the Bobber.


    "What time do I have to be home?" asks the junior high school boy.

    "11:30," says the Bobber.

    "OK," says the boy.


    "Don't ever do anything to hurt him," the college boy says to me. "We need him."

    "I'll keep that in mind," I say.


    And so we have Bobber's Day. The boys buy their stepfather a new toy they can all play with. The Bobber grills steaks. And I am awed by our great fortune that the Bobber carved his way into this family with such grace that it now seems he was always there.

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