Man-Up for Father’s Day

Just as last month I was amazed at the various Mom’s in my life, this week I was thinking about Dad’s .

The Mom’s were my own, and the two mother in laws that I’ve had that have all passed away.  There’s also the Mom of my 3 kids and my wife, the Mom of my 2 stepkids.  All of these women loved unconditionally, and were examples to the next generation.

That next generation of Mom’s include Tiffany, Rachael and Abby who have discovered a strength that goes beyond what they thought they were capable back when they were teens.

But this being Fathers Day weekend, I want to heap some praise on my son in laws, Jon, Brandon, Jeff and stepson Ian.   Although I’ve only known you for a much limited time compared to Tiff, Rachael and their brother Josh; I’ve watched as each of you have exhibited the characteristics of being a good Dad. And Ian, through all you have been through since I first met you in 2000, I have always admired your dedication to being a Dad to Jake and Ashton.

When you become a Dad it’s scary.  No longer do you have the relatively carefree lifestyle, but now there is this little human being that you helped create that will be with you the rest of your life.  Oh sure, they hopefully will not live with you forever, but that little one will become big and will always be your son or daughter.

As my kids have now provided me with grandkids and I watch and observe and participate in their young lives, I have grown to love and admire these Dads who are doing their best.

And now a brief word to those of you who have fathered a child and you are not doing your best.  You need to Man-Up, buddy.  Not just for Fathers Day, but every day possible.  Your kids need a man in their life to mentor them, to care about them, to love them and spend time with them.  They need a guy to listen to them, to teach them and to be an example to them.  It means setting aside your selfish ways, your fears, your past, your excuses, your (fill in the blank) that is keeping you from being a Dad.

I know that there are circumstances that can make this difficult.  Do it anyway.

And a thank you to my Dad who passed away when I was just 38, some 16 years ago.  Not for perfection, but for simply being there for me as my Dad.