Today is Father’s Day, and there are several special dads out there.

Saturday, June 17, 2000

Today is Father’s Day, and there are several special dads out there.

OakPark Mall in Austin gave children the opportunity to tell who’s the greatest dad.

The shopping center sponsored an essay contest, asking children to tell why they believe their fathers are the best.

The essays were revealing. They show the hard facts of separation and extended families. They also show the innocent joy of the simple pleasures children find in being with their fathers.

Here are some excerpts from the winning essays:

– "As an abandoned infant in Calcutta, India, I had little chance of life. My dad has made all the difference. He and my mom opened their hearts and homes and family in order to give me life."

– "My step-dad is the greatest dad. He helps me write my homework, and he’s there for me if I need someone to talk to."

– My dad is the greatest because he is funny, and he is kind, and he is the best dad I could ever have in the world."

– "My dad is the greatest dad in the world because he lets me call him collect any time. When he is with me on weekends, he never says a bad word about mom."

– "My dad is the greatest because he lets me play with the ball and bug him during his favorite TV shows and still gives me hugs and kisses even though I drive him crazy."

All of the essays are displayed at OakPark Mall today.

The winning entries were awarded prizes. All children who did not claim their prizes for their wining essays are asked to contact the OakPark Mall marketing office.