If you ever come into my office, the various pictures I have on my wall, cabinets, and cubicle would strike you. Twenty of these pictures are of my two daughters.
I love being a dad. To me, it’s the best job on the planet, in the universe. Make no mistake about it; rearing children is a lot of hard work, but a different kind of work. Actually, it’s more like voluntary indentured servitude, especially when the child is an infant.
What other job can you think of where you’re under-appreciated, consistently tired or worried, inadvertently getting soiled (think of changing diapers), maintaining constant emotional restraint, while someone is crying, whining or throwing tantrums, all the while trying to act as a loving role model to a pint-sized mini-boss?
Yet, when you see your child’s angelic face or hear the words “I love you, Daddy,” your heart swells, and you’d never imagine doing something different. There’s no other job I know of where I would endure all that without pay, except that of fatherhood.
When I look at the pictures of my daughters that hang on my office wall, I remember the awesome responsibility I have to rear them in a loving and caring environment. I know that one day they’ll endure hardships as adults. That fact makes me even more resolute to be the type of father that can be respected, admired, and emulated because I’m responsible for showing them what being a productive human being is all about.
However, fatherhood is not just about being responsible; it’s also about being fun. I love playing with my children. Every day, after I get home from work, I either play ring-around-the-rosy, pretend to be a dog named “Ruffie”, watch Toy Story (again and again and again), read a bedtime story, or say a prayer with my daughters.
I love it. I know of no greater joy than being a dad.
As they grow, I know the relationship I have with my daughters will change and, hopefully, I’ll be the type of man who inspires and encourages them.
I’d like to present to the fathers of both younger and older children some questions which I often consider. I hope you will, too:
- What is your favorite aspect of being a father?
- As a father, what legacy would you like to leave your child/children?
- When you’re not around, what do you want your children to say about you? That you are fair, loving, compassionate, and just? Or that you’re rigid, non-talkative, and distant?
As I continue in my adventure into fatherhood, I look forward to what’s to come.
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