The Chicago Tribune has a heartwarming story today about a man very dedicated to his family, and particularly to the tradition he established years ago to treat each of his three daughters to a special dinner to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Each individually, no matter what, no matter where…

For some reason, the Trib doesn’t have the link up yet, but here’s a snip:

One Valentine’s Day when his three daughters were little girls, Tony Cacich…decided to begin a tradition of taking them out to dinner.

The idea was born of a corporate team-building high ropes course in New Mexico. As part of the exercise, Cacich, then in his early 30s, was asked to think about his life and reflect on what he wanted most out of it.

“I wanted to be the best grandfather I could be,” says Cacich, vice-president and general manager of a hospital supply company’s contract manufacturing group. “I was envisioning 30 years from now. But to be the best grandfather, you had to be the best father first. And what does that mean?”

It meant a way of organizing his life.

“To be a good father, I have to spend time with them, be a part of their life, understand the things they’re going through,” Cacich says. “Since that time, I’ve really spent my time trying to participate in their life, get an understanding of what life is like for them.”

Wow. What a great Dad. What a good idea for other men who may never have considered such a simple thing to do with their children but one that has a profoundly lasting impact on their relationship with you for life.

Speaking of which…..parents, children, life, Valentine’s Day…

If you’re in the Chicago area at the time, The Women’s Center is holding their annual banquet on February 14th. Just saying…