Brian, A good read and a great unspoken point.  I really liked your line; "...where it will cast us for a few rare days into the family spotlight.” 

I agree with you on your point that Father's day messages really could be improved, however, I actually apply your thinking to the entire greeting card industry on just about every occasion we have to buy a card.  

18 years & 5 attempts later, I believe I have succeeded in redefining the greeting card that will one day perhaps make many typical to standard types of greeting cards obsolete.

Please see for your self and accept this free card for you and your "Father Who Had to Leave."

Simply add the following to any Father's day card you have and they will receive the following message; 

4DVHW @ www.planetschoice.com/ViewNomination/Index
(PS: This is not an Ad; this is one guy trying to make a difference!)

-Curtis Carter, 
(Creator of the World's First Public Recognition Company; www.publicarchives.info)