Even though there are days when I find myself complaining, struggling or exhausted, I know that I have done my best to raise a fine young man.
—
At 16 weeks into my first pregnancy, I found myself in the waiting room of our local medical center waiting anxiously for my ultrasound. The important one–the one that would tell me the news I so badly wanted to hear: whether my tiny baby bump was a boy or a girl. As I lay on the exam table with the cold wand moving back and forth over my belly, I quietly prayed for a girl; ponytails and pink dresses, ballet lessons and Barbie dolls–all the things I knew about so well from my experience
I took the responsibility seriously; not only raising a little boy but helping him grow up to be a good man.
|
I knew I had what it took to be a good mother to a little girl. The test seemed to last much longer than I expected. After taking the usual measurements, the technician reported that the study was complete and that my bundle of joy was a boy. I could feel my eyes fill up with tears. I felt completely unequipped. I knew nothing about boys and did not have the slightest idea about how to raise one. Of course, I bought tiny blue clothes and decorated his room with dinosaurs, but inside I was scared. I took the responsibility seriously; not only raising a little boy but helping him grow up to be a good man.
While the early years were busy and filled with sports, scouts and a whirlwind of activities, it occurred to me that my little man was quickly growing up. Driving a car, making decisions, planning for college. It was then that I was reminded that if it was my hope for him to grow into a considerate responsible and kind adult it was my responsibility to teach him. I had not expected to parent on my own. I had pictured a partner by my side to offer those father-son chats and manly lessons imparted from one generation to the next. Here are a few of the lessons I did my best to teach my son.
♦◊♦
Be a man of your word: If you tell someone you will be there, make sure you are. Do your best to be a man who does what he says he is going to do.
Be present: Know that above all your presence is the most important thing you can offer. As a husband, father or friend, knowing that you showed up both physically and emotionally for those you love and care about truly matters.
Support the causes you believe in: Volunteer and help those less fortunate than you, and stand proud of who you are and what you believe in.
Step up: Times will be challenging in all facets of life; your work will present challenges as will your relationships. Be a bigger man and step up in those difficult situations. Your colleagues will see you as a leader, and your wife will know you are a man she can rely upon.
Be open: Share your feelings, communicate, and be there for others when they need you.
♦◊♦
By doing good work, being a cherished husband and father, you will affect the lives of many.
|
Your wealth is more than the bills in your wallet. Your value is more than your profession. The world is a better place because you are in it. Do good work, do good deeds, care for others both humans and animals, and love our beautiful planet.
I know the list is long; being a good man takes effort and raising a good man isn’t easy. I look at it this way, a good man will affect our world in great ways for generations to come. By doing good work, being a cherished husband and father, you will affect the lives of many. So even though there are days when I find myself complaining, struggling or exhausted I know that I have done my best to raise a fine young man. I know I have made mistakes, but I have done my best to make sure he knows he is loved every day. Now the rest is up to him.
—
Photo: Flickr/ sean dreilinger