I feel fortunate to have spent those last hours with him and that I could express my love to him, though I felt out of character in doing it. I only wish that it had occurred years earlier.

As a father myself, I’ve broken male mold. I freely express my love not only for my wife but for each of my children. Rarely does a day pass that I don't talk with my kids, always ending conversation with an "I love you".

I'll be first to admit that life is not always a bed of roses, and that developing strong family ties requires patience and perseverance. But I’m incredibly proud of family relationships that we've developed and nurtured in our children.”

Millions of today’s fathers grew up with fathers who were unable to express their love directly. And yet so many of these fathers have been able to express their love to their own children.

They’ve done it because they know pain of not receiving that love. They know how absolutely vital their expression of love and acceptance is for their kids. And they’ve moved past discomfort of expressing their love for their kids so that they may thrive.

This is an acknowledgement to courage of all fathers who have ”broken mold.”

If our world is to change, it won’t be without love from our fathers.

Mark Brandenburg MA, CPCC, coaches men to be better fathers and husbands. He is the author of “25 Secrets of Emotionally Intelligent Fathers” http://www.markbrandenburg.com/father.htm For more great tips and action steps for fathers, sign up for his FREE bi-weekly newsletter, “Dads, Don’t Fix Your Kids,” at http://www.markbrandenburg.com.

4. Add shutters to your windows. Now, you don’t have to buy those expensive premade ones that everyone else has, you can make simple ones yourself. You can use plywood and edge it in wood trim, then paint, or just hang a few vertical 1x2’s 4 inches apart to form a rectangular shape alongside your window, indicating shutters. You may be able to find much of this wood in scrap piles. Just make sure pieces are not warped. Now paint with exterior trim paint, and watch charm go up! Be sure to use galvanized screws or nails to build and hang them so they won’t rust.

5. Finally, add some personal touches to your entry, to make your home more welcoming. Hand paint a wood plaque from craft store with your family name or a favorite quote and hang it beside your front door. Add a wreath or a swag to your entry door. You can make one easily from a grapevine or straw wreath and add your own touches…some garden tools, silk flowers, small wood plaques with family member’s names, seashells…whatever represents your tastes. Fill a planter with flowers or shade plants and place it right by your door to add life, add a chair or bench if you have room. If you have a table and a covered porch, don’t be afraid to bring out candles, throw pillows, and even a throw rug to create your porch “room”! Just remember to use your creativity, add your personal touch, and use that elbow grease, and soon people will stop when they pass your home impressed, by your creativity!