For the most part of my life, I never had a Father(after Divorce) but several fatherly figures. My mother played dual roles in her relationship with me & my sister. Then there were my mother's brothers who made me learn a ton of stuff about life.

Father is like a mentor who teaches you from his own experiences, good or worse. (dual-edged sword)

Your post made me reflect on my own past. I am a summation of everyone I have met in my life. Right or wrong. I have tried hard to pick the best of them. This is what my mother taught me!