There is an empty space that can follow a child long after childhood ends. It may be the empty chair at the dinner table, the school event where Dad never appeared, or the unanswered question a child was too young to put into words: Why wasn’t I worth staying for? Not every home without a father is unhappy, and many strong, loving mothers raise extraordinary children. Grandparents, stepfathers, mentors, coaches, uncles, and family friends can also provide meaningful love and