Most of us can identify with the old saying about fathers that’s generally attributed to Mark Twain.

Anyone who has ever been 14 probably felt like his or her dad was the most ignorant person on earth.

Through the generations, kids have complained about their fathers, lamenting that they weren’t “cool” or “hip” or “with it,” or whatever the language of the “in” crowd happened to be at the time.

The terms have changed through the years, but the sentiment has remained the same. A teenager today probably is just as frustrated with “the old man” as his ancestors were.

Who hasn’t been embarrassed by dear old Dad? After all, he’s always had the annoying habit of breaking into important conversations at the most inopportune times or telling corny jokes in front of our most important friends.

Fathers insist on asking questions about things that they have no business knowing about, and they often show up at the worst possible times.

And they insist on wearing the dumbest clothes, making little or no effort to be fashionable.

They’re continually harping about dumb things like values and morals and preaching boring sermons about the benefits of hard work and the necessity of saving money.

Yes, Dad can be difficult to live with, so much so that most kids can’t wait to be out from under his wing.

“As soon as I’m on my own, things will be different,” the voices of  generation after generation have shouted. “I’ll never treat my kids like this.”

But then a funny thing happens. As we mature, we begin to realize what it’s like to walk in Dad’s shoes. Maybe we have children of our own and we start to learn about the realities of life — going hours without sleep to take care of a sick child, working more than one job to put food on the table, doing without to make sure birthdays and holidays are special.

And, yes, we even learn what it’s like to have a know-it-all kid who thinks that we’re the most ignorant person on earth. But you know what? We love those kids in spite of that, in spite of everything.

That’s what fathers do.

Be sure and remember Dad today. If you can, spend time with him. Call him up. Tell him how much you appreciate all the things he’s done for you.

Give him a tie, if you must, but do so with the understanding that he might not wear it.

After all, he’s not the most fashionable guy in town.

Happy Father’s Day.