Kevin "Earleybird" Earley writes: My father has been a major force in my life.  A mentor, a friend, sometimes a fierce combatant, a towering figure of authority, and a lighthouse-like guiding light in the world that has instilled his values, ideas, morals, and flaws for me to wrestle with as I define and continue to redefine myself throughout my journey. I am fortunate to have a present and involved father-figure, when I have friends who had fathers who were never around, and siblings who lost their biological father at a young age.  My father stood up and faced the pressures of fatherhood head-on.  He's been with me through my heartbreaking struggles and statistic-defying triumphs.  He is still here, still alive, and still among his family, while many of my peers have lost one or both of their parents.  I cherish and value his friendship, mentorship, and vitality.  As long [...]