DEAR READERS: Today is Father's Day. I offer good wishes not only to fathers everywhere, but also to those caring individuals who donate their time mentoring youngsters whose fathers are absent or deceased.
Many readers have asked me for a prayer in memory of a father who is no longer living. The following is from my Hebrew Union Prayer Book. It is one that is recited on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. It is also available in my "Keepers" booklet:
IN MEMORY OF A FATHER
"Thy memory, my dear father, fills my soul at this solemn hour. It revives in me thoughts of the love and friendliness which thou didst bestow upon me. The thought of these inspires me to a life of virtue; and when my pilgrimage on earth is ended and I shall arrive at the throne of mercy, may I be worthy of thee in the sight of God and man. May our merciful Father reward thee for the faithfulness and kindness thou has ever shown me; may he grant thee eternal peace. Amen."