I want to echo again as many others have said before how wonderful a parent you have been, and still are. I watched the news clip of your shared memories of your son Bryant.

I have thought at times as I still stare into the few photos I keep of my still-estranged father "See? That's the way it's supposed to be done you #censored#". Bear in mind, things seldom have a way of turning out the way they should. I accept that, I know you will have to accept that too. He's 63 and the last I heard is that he is mentally "not there". For all I know he may have completely jumped the shark, in a nursing home, or even dead. I don't know if they know where I am, I sure don't know where he is -- but there has been maintained a certain aura of "passive preferred separation and non-communication". Sometimes I think US and Soviets must have had a cozier relationship than my dad and I.

I hope people will not mistake this as a plea for a pity party. God forbid! But after watching also the video of that Texas judge beating the crap out of her daughter that was taken 7 years ago but just now released, it puts my thoughts in a turmoil. How can we as fathers reclaim the honor we should take pride in such a role? I have known so many dads who aren't dads but scared messed up little boys with a sperm donation. My "dad" was/is one. I could've been one too. It's sad that I have to use my distant memories as an "anti-role model" to love my 3 boys like no other parent could because, as we have all witnessed, tomorrow is not guaranteed. Let this serve as an impassioned plea to all my fellow fathers to redouble our efforts to bring up our kids to love each other, our country, our family, and most of all God. I know I have messed it up more than once, no big shock there. But I do my best to tell my kids all the time how much I do love them and I want to be a part of their world as much as I want them as a part of mine.

But thank you again Mr. Wilbanks for restoring some of my faith again in what the bond of a true father and son can be like, even to the very last hour. This is going to be so hard for you and my heart still cries for you all, but in the end every tear will be wiped away and we can all look back and laugh at the pain of the past. And thank you for keeping me accountable to not take for granted ONE more day of life.

Keep cheering, keep screaming Hotty Toddy for your kiddos, Keep Nutt in your prayers (that's a loaded request I know), and keep living for your family and for Christ. That's what I think Bryant wants you to remember.