DEAR ABBY: Please print my letter on Father’s Day because I’d like to say something. I was raised by my father – no mother in sight. He took on the job of two parents and didn’t bat an eyelash. I was 6 when dad changed jobs, bought a house and got my siblings and me out of foster care where our mother had left us.

At the time, I barely knew my dad, but as the years passed I got to know him. He was a tough, hard-working, kind, loving man who taught me those qualities by example, as well as how to laugh at life.

We lost dad unexpectedly to a heart attack last January. He wasn’t even 60 years old. If anyone deserves an accolade on Father’s Day, it’s him because he was the best. He is sorely missed. He was my hero, and I am flattered to be compared to him. – LOVING DAUGHTER IN THE MIDWEST

DEAR LOVING DAUGHTER: You are lucky to have had such a positive father figure in your life – and I’m printing your letter in tribute not only to your own dear father, but also to other devoted and caring men who nurture and mentor children.

In honor of fathers everywhere, I would like to share a poem that last appeared in my column in 2001. It was penned by a talented writer and retired schoolteacher named Hilda Bigelow:

I Had A Father Who Talked With Me

I had a father who talked with me.

Allowed me the right to disagree,

To question – and always answered me,

As well as he could – and truthfully.

He talked of adventures; horrors of war;

Of life, its meaning; what love was for;

How each would always need to strive

To improve the world to keep it alive.

Stressed the duty we owe one another

To be aware each man is a brother.

Words for laughter he also spoke,

A silly song or happy joke.

Time runs along, some say I’m wise,

That I look at life with seeing eyes.

My heart is happy, my mind is free,

I had a father who talked with me.

DEAR ABBY: My fiance wants a prenuptial agreement. I am willing to sign one, even though it’s not my idea. This is to protect his finances.

According to our research, we are both supposed to hire our own attorneys. My question: Is it my responsibility to pay for my attorney even though we are doing the prenup only to protect my fiance’s assets and inheritance? – JUST WONDERING IN WISCONSIN

DEAR JUST WONDERING: A prenuptial agreement is supposed to protect the interests of both parties. At the same time that it protects your fiance’s assets, it should lay out what provisions will be made for you in the event that the marriage doesn’t work out. Because your attorney will be representing only you, you should be the person compensating him (or her) for services rendered. And honey, this is not the time to cheap out.

CONFIDENTIAL TO MORTON B. IN MINNEAPOLIS: A happy, healthy Father’s Day to you, Pop!

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

To receive a collection of Abby’s most memorable – and most frequently requested – poems and essays, send a business-sized, self-addressed envelope, plus check or money order for $6 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby – Keepers Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Postage is included in the price.)