What does the term Dad mean today anyway? It has to be a different term that is so carelessly tossed off from father. From a biological perspective, almost anyone can be a father, but does that make him a Real Dad? I do not think so, and I am sure that most readers would agree.

What do we expect from our dads? An enormous amount, as it turns out if we let ourselves believe media hype. Every dad-type ever shown, naturally advertising a product he looooooves, is a perfect specimen. We cannot possibly count the dads that marketing teams consistently and calculatingly turn into buffoons, in order to sell to those who think that most dads are inanimate buffoons. Everyone understands that these are poor stereotypes; unfortunately, the repetitive message reinforces acceptance of such stereotypes.

We think our dads should be:

• Physically attractive: ripped, active, lean (no little tummys), square-jawed-handsome, and strong.

• Mental acuity. He should have a fine mind, not necessarily book smart, but an intuitive thinker with capacity for big picture assessment while anticipating the future ahead. A man who is willing to mentor, teach, seek and pass on knowledge, proud in his contribution to the next generation.

• Emotionally secure enough to overcome insecurities (a prerogative of any human), having the ability to ignore slights or the more wounding ridicule so prevalent in society today. Possess the emotional strength to stand strong in the face of any adversity. Ability to admit mistakes, mend relationships while moving forward to embrace life.

• Financially stable. A planner, a saver, a man large in financial spirit while espousing to a lifestyle lived within his means. One who is willing to share good fortune (to a responsible extent) while certainly having contingency measures for a rainy day. These are simple tenets of a financially disciplined code for life.

• Moral values and ethics. How could you not admire the Real Dad who practices what he preaches, not falling to the excuse of 'do what I say and not what I do'. It is never easy to live within a moral code when so many surrounding you in our world are 'getting theirs while the getting is good'. There have to be days when it takes every bit of moral courage to do the right thing.

Actually, all of these are great attributes for anyone, male or female.

And we know that these are the ideals that we all aspire to, and often fall short.

Real Dads reading this should not feel diminished in anyway. Just because you do not have movie star hunkiness, the intellect of Einstein, the political smoothness of some dominate personalities in our midst, the financial aggressiveness of stock market traders, does not mean you are not a powerful legendary force for good in your family and community.

There is one more major criteria that defines a Real Dad. Simple, Does he care about you? Five simple words that mean the world to every child. Does he care about you?

How does he show that he cares?

Would he willingly internalise his own feelings while putting the needs of a spouse, child, or partner first? Or, sublimate his own embarrassment while changing soiled diapers of a baby (or a parent) while in a caregiver role - yes some men do this. Or, nurture an entire family through the pain of terrible loss. Or, give back selflessly to a community, rather than giving in to self-focused behaviour and mindless consumption. Or, protect his family and their rights to a full satisfying life with every ounce of fortitude he possesses, including the willingness to stop a bullet.

All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing . Show me a few good men (Real Dads) who are proactive in the protection of those who cannot protect themselves, and these are our heroes.

Will all the Real Dads, please take a bow!

Happy Dad's Day to you all.

Martha Harris Myron 2008 - in memory of my father, Cecil Edward Harris.

Further reading: Dadditude: How a Real Man Became a Real Dad.

Martha Harris Myron CPA -NH1929, CFP® -67184 (US licences) TEP - Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. She is a Senior Wealth Manager at Argus Financial Limited, specialising in comprehensive financial solutions and investment advisory services for individual private clients and their families, business owners, endowments and trusts. DirectLine: 294-5709. Confidential e-mail can be directed to mmyron@argusfinancial.bm The article expresses the opinion of the author alone. Under no circumstances is the content of this article to be taken as specific individual investment advice, nor as a recommendation to buy/sell any investment product. The Editor of the Royal Gazette has final right of approval over headlines, content, and length/brevity of article.