PFs In the News

So often does "proud father" appear in print, it seems possible at least some journalists have built the phrase into a keyboard macro to save time and typing. Yes a cliche; nevertheless, often a fact.

Pops take pride. And there is something for everyone about a beaming dad. Right now Bob Bridgman, father of Heather Reams, a detective like her grandfather, is ecstatic with the accomplishments of his daughter, as well as the life of her new child. There is Trevor Brazile, rodeo Triple Crown winner and father of 2-month-old Treston Norris, who is already on his third rodeo. And, today, there is Archie Manning, proud father of consecutive Super Bowl MVPs.

But Manning is as winning as he is because he keeps that pride in perspective, "I never thought about them even playing college ball, much less pro football, much less winning Super Bowls or MVPs," Archie said. "It wasn't in the plan. We tried to raise kids. We raised kids just like any other parents raised their kids. I can't explain it."

And keeping it in perspective is the key to P-fatherhooding. Using biblical wisdom as a guide, it is important to remember that it is not "pride that goeth before the fall" but, according to the King James Version, Proverbs 16:18-19 reads, " Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."

** Daddies be happy, but not gloatful. **