[tps_header] I am often told how blessed I am to have my husband. While he is an amazing hubby, he is also a phenomenal father to our three children. And while there’s not a day that goes by, that I don’t thank God for him, I also know that he’s not the only phenomenal daddy out there.
Contrary to what the media would like to have us think, there are so many great fathers out here who are doing exactly what they are supposed to be doing…they’re being a daddy and playing an active role in their children’s lives. So this Father’s Day, let’s concentrate on the men like my better half, and the ones featured in this article, as opposed to the negativity that this day often brings for some people. Let’s not focus on the dads that have screwed up. Instead, let’s focus on the dads who are getting it right. Let’s celebrate and honor these fathers because they deserve it.
I posted on social media that I was looking to feature fathers for this post, and several fathers heeded my call to share their thoughts on the following three questions (you might just want to grab some tissue just in case):
- What do you love most about fatherhood, and what are some challenges you face?
- What message do you want to share with your child(ren)?
- What do you want people to know about being a dad?
Wayne See:
One of the things that I love most about fatherhood is the impact that I can have on my daughter’s life. Most of all, it is the little things. For example, when I am resting on the couch watching TV, my daughter will sit beside me and lay her head on my chest. I also love the how excited she gets when she sees me. She also teaches me about God and how his relationship with us. A challenge that I face is raising her in a society that has different standards than what I teach her. The challenge is staying consistent with discipline.
Amira, I love you very much and I am thankful that God brought you into my life. I hope my love for you is a reflection of how God loves you each and every day.
Being a dad is a joy and challenge at the same time. Your daughter will measure every man she meets according to your example.
Ryan Goldman:
I love the random “I love you’s” the most about fatherhood. Those are the truly sincere moments when its not because you just did something for them or anything like that. Very touching indeed. I think my biggest challenge is balancing a super busy work schedule and time with the family. That can be further expounded into spending quality time with each child, letting them know they are special, but balancing out the attention so that one doesn’t get jealous over the other.
My message to my kids is : “Daddy will always have your back, rain or shine, even if you’re in trouble and I’m mad at you, I will have your back.”
Being a dad is hard work, a full time job. One must never lose sight of the fact that kids are indeed kids, and sometimes its just ok to be a kid and make messes and mistakes. Shielding the anger/frustration after a huge mess/catastrophe can go a long way in encouraging a child’s imagination and creativity.
Edward Lee:
The greatest joy of fatherhood is seeing life through my son’s eyes. I see how he interacts with me and I see what is important about becoming a man and having healthy male friendships. But then I watch how he interacts with my wife and I see the beginnings of how women interact with, and think about men. On both sides I am reminded of what is important about living and how to shape those points of importance into my son.
I live with a prayer to God that I will be allowed to see my son move into adulthood. But, if that does not happen, I try to impress certain messages in his heart for him to carry on, without me…Be a nice guy regardless of what others are doing. Think for yourself. Go to college. Marry wisely. Be a good father – when it is time.
To me being a dad is about building bridges. A father’s relationship with his children is always changing, but if there are good bridges to their heart and mind we can always reach them. Coach their sports team, talk to them about real things, help them make decisions and demonstrate love.
Antwaune Rodgers:
For me, being a dad has been a blessing. I have two children, ages 6 and 15. The best part of being a dad has been watching them grow, the smiles on their faces, and being able to be there for them. The responsibility of being a dad can sometimes be challenging. From my experience finance can be a struggle, but I think time management is the ultimate sacrifice.
To Alexus And Jamel: Daddy loves you so much, and wouldn’t trade being daddy for you two for anything. Your happiness is my happiness.
Being a dad is a great responsibility, and can be stressful at times. It takes a lot of work, but has its rewards through the joy and happiness you see in your children. There’s a lot more to being a dad than money spent. Like we always say, time is money. So, spend as much time with them as you can, for life is short. That’s money well spent.
Josh Adams:
What I love most is the unconditional love I receive from my son, and watching how excited he gets when he learns something new. Some challenges include teaching him the difference between “wants and needs”, and giving him quality time since I travel often in my profession.
A message for my son: I will always give you honesty,love & support no matter the situation.
“Presence over presents” There is no event or job more important than being a parent. Do not let music, TV or friends raise your children. Talk to them.
Jackie Bledsoe, Jr:
I love having “little people” who look just like me, and act just like I use to act (the good and the bad). I love being an important part of my kids life, watching them live, love, and experience life. I love spending time them, and having the opportunity to give myself to them, to encourage them, and to teach them all the things I’ve learned.
Jaicey Elise (my 12 year old daughter), you are amazing, and growing into a beautiful young lady. Since you were born, there has always been something special about you. We always said when you walk into a room, the dynamic of the room changes, that room becomes yours. God has a special anointing on you, just like the meaning of your name, you are “our blessing, and God’s promise.”
Jackson Eric (my 7 year old son), my first born son. I will NEVER forget the feeling I had when the doctor said, “It’s a boy.” I tell you all the time, “you remind me of me, when I was your age,” and I love that! Your heart and ability to care for others continues to show us the wonderful leader you will be, just like the meaning of your name, you are “God’s gracious, and honest leader.”
Joshua Evan (my 3 year old son), wow! The first of our kids to have “daddy’s eyes.” Looking into your eyes is one of my favorite things. The way you look into (not just at) my eyes, touches me deeply, and I cannot even explain. You have a conquering spirit, and very early on you showed us that nothing will ever stop you, just like the meaning of your name, you are “God’s victorious warrior!”
Being a dad is the one of the toughest challenges you will face, right along with being a husband. It will test you, challenge you, and humble you. Like being a husband, the joy you get from being a dad, from being active and engaged in your kids’ lives has no equal.
Roy Walker:
I love watching my children grow up and develop. Some challenges include trying to mold how they perceive their experiences.
I love you forever and always love yourself first.
The kind of man you are is the type of father you’ll be.
Thony Espinoza:
I love the responsibility of being a positive influence continuously. I enjoy seeing the development in my children. The challenge I face every now and then is that I may lose my patience.
My message for my children is to Love God, Love yourself and Love your fellow man.
Being a father is easier than it appears; and, harder than you think.
John Baptist:
What I love most about fatherhood is mother because without her there would be no father and we would be eating spaghetti every night.
Challenges I face are: letting go of her hand when she was learning to walk the stairs, maintaining my manly physique while fixing her loose braids during an outing, working on the computer while she naps on my lap, sneaking out of the room after she falls asleep, and watching her grow up.
You’re so smart & beautiful, I see the way those little boys look at you at the park and I can’t wait until your brother is born so I can show him how to handle that. Also, you’re not dating until you’re 30 and I’m picking your dates…then eventually your husband. Daddy’s old school.
Being a dad is easy, being a father is hard. Being that and a husband, as well as your kids’ personal jungle gym, deserves a father’s WEEK!
Greg Deslandes:
What I love most about fatherhood is the blessing of seeing the joy I bring to the special little lady in my life, I enjoy the precious moments of her smiles, her tears when she falls down but most importantly, teaching her that it’s ok to get right back up again and start all over. I love each day I get to teach her about God and life. And then there is that feeling when I am so thankful, knowing I am amazingly blessed to love this precious gift God gave to my wife and I……our beautiful daughter Taylor Deslandes.
I have faced a few challenges after becoming a father, I no longer have the freedom of just getting up and doing what I want or going wherever. I have had to give up a lot just to make time for my child, I also have taken on new career goals to improve my status and standards of living just for my child.
The biggest challenge however, is learning to be patient but wise in the efforts put forward between my wife and I in raising our daughter, we sometimes as parents differ in how we approach raising our child but we always try to do our best to meet half way.
The message to my child is “Open your heart and love God and in all you way acknowledge him and he will direct your path”.
Being a dad is not just for a moment but a lifetime of work, where no matter how old your child is she/he will forever be thankful for that love that they can rely on.
Marlon Cohen:
Coming home from work and having my son running to the door saying, “It’s daddy!! It’s daddy!!” and right behind him is my daughter saying, “da…da.”
The challenges are having very little down time…I’m always dad and I’m always on duty.
Plan for success, learn from your setbacks, love with all your heart, and always be honest with yourself…Daddy is here to help you along the way
There is never a time I’m not teaching, correcting, loving, or helping my children. At times it feels like a very thankless position, but it’s those moments when you see the things that you instilled in your children come out and totally impress you. It makes you proud to be their dad.
Goree Sarr:
What I love about fatherhood is seeing a smile on my children face. The biggest challenge is making sure I have the patience no matter what is going on with me.
The message I teach my kids is to be respectful & don’t let anybody take advantage of them.To see a reflection of you growing up right in front of you is the best experience in life.
Jimmy Arrington:
I love taking care of my children and my grandchildren. I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to influence and mold them in the right way and share my love of GOD. I haven’t faced too many challenges because GOD has always guided me. I look at trying times as tests and obstacles to overcome. Prayer has lead me along the way and is the answer.
To my daughter- Kim – I just want to thank GOD for blessing me with you. He could have not have given me a better daughter. I am so proud of you. You are a very strong and positive young lady. You always worked aggressively on your dreams and in pursuit of your happiness even as a young girl…I know that GOD has something amazing with your name on it. You always look to find happiness and fullfilment for everyone else… I can wait to see your dreams fulfilled as I know they will be. Put GOD first in all that you do and you’ll never go wrong. I love you!
To my son – Timothy (Lamont) – who is no longer with us. You went to be with the LORD in the year 2000. I love you so much and am still proud to call you son. You were the perfect son and i’m thankful that the Lord blessed me to have 31 wonderful years with you. Although you are truly missed,we feel you everyday and you will never be forgotten. I love you!
Being a dad is about being responsible, respectable, being accountable and setting an example. Take care of your responsibility and be honored and thankful to GOD that he gave you this blessed role.
Jerome Mills:
I love seeing my kids do well. One of the challenges that I faced and any fathers face is finances. Children cost money but you can creatively make it work.
A message to my children – the sooner you learn to live a godly life the better off you will be. I’ve always taught my kids this, and they continue to live it.
What I want people to know about being a dad – Trust God. Many times as guys, we may not be exactly sure if we are getting this thing right. If you are relying on God, trust the process.
To all the fathers out there stepping up to the plate: Thank you. Our children need you.
BMWK Fathers: What does fatherhood mean to you? What message do you want to share with your child(ren)?