Why I Love ... Dads!

So it's Wednesday and usually I hop on the meme wagon for Why I Love ... Wednesdays with Alexis at Reflexions of a Bookaholic. Today I will prove that I am not always a follower. In honor of 'Who's Your Daddy' week, I am taking things in a whole new direction. (OK, really I'm just walking along side the beaten path but it's a start!) Here are a few literary Dad's and why I love them:

Pa Ingalls - Sorry, I have never grown out of the Laura Ingalls Wilder books. I still love them and have them in my bookshelves. I love Pa! Realizing that Laura sanitized her life considerably for her readers, I still think Pa was way ahead of his time in the fathering department. He talked to and listened to his kids. It was so obvious how much he loved them. I know they couldn't have had much money - not many pioneers did - but, somehow they managed to send Mary away to blind school. At a time when daughters were not first in line for higher education; a time, in fact when education was often thought of as a waste of time all together for boys or girls, Pa must have decided to educate his blind daughter. We know the men made the decisions in those days so even if Ma would have wanted it, Pa had the last word. Talk about a man ahead of his time!

Atticus Finch - It amazes me how many people list 'To Kill a Mocking Bird' as their favorite all time book. It's not my favorite book but Atticus is one of my favorite Dads. Let's face it, Scout would try any one's patience! But Atticus was always fair and loving. He taught by example and expected the best from his offspring. I'll admit he was somewhat distracted during the course of the book (there was a lot going on) but he never abdicated his role as Father.

Matthew Cuthbert - Are there Canadian girls who grow up not loving Anne (with an e) of Green Gables? I suppose there might be but whether she is loved or not, we all know her. Matthew was not related to Anne by blood but he was her father. Not from the minute she was adopted but from the moment he met her. He was always, quietly (or, sometimes not so quietly) on Anne's side. He wanted her, even though she wasn't a boy, and he convinced Marilla to keep her. No matter what trouble Anne got into, Matthew could see the humour and was always patient and loving. He was Anne's soft spot to land. No matter what else was going on, Matthew could be counted on for whatever Anne needed in the way of love, support and a listening ear.

Do you have a favorite literary Dad? I'd love to hear about it. Have a great Wednesday, all!