ABSENT FATHERS

I was disturbed by the statement that “most of the time, stepfathers can’t begin to fill the void.”

My son, now 12, was 2 when his father and I divorced, and 5 when I remarried. My son’s “real” father lives in England and does not pay child support. My husband foots the bill for food, clothing, health insurance, educational needs and summer camp without a second thought.

This stepfather is the man who has never missed a soccer game, an open house or a back-to-school night, events at which “real” fathers are often absent. He taught my son to ride a bike, ice skate and ski, helps him with his homework and ties his tie. My son’s stepfather continues to teach him about growing up, about love and honor and responsibility.

MARGARET DAVIS

Burbank