Being a father is one of the most selfless jobs anyone can be assigned in their lifetime. Your child’s first superhero in most cases is their Dad! Nothing ever beats the excitement of your child running and hugging both of your legs as you enter the door after a long day of work, a long trip, or just simply stepping out for awhile and returning to that smiling face and receiving the warmest praise you'll ever receive from anyone.
My first child was born July of 2006. I knew he was a boy the moment his mother told me that she was pregnant. Well actually I’m the one that told her that she was as I noticed the changes in her which in return prompted her to take a test. I was super young without a clue in the world. Was I really ready to be someones Dad?? None of that mattered now as I knew that I had to make an adjustment quick because there was no way that I was bringing a child into this world fatherless. In many ways he saved my life and I owe him mine. Being from the area that I am from it wasn’t hard to find yourself into something that could have either landed you in jail or in a grave. He was definitely my saving grace as I started making better decisions on where and whom I hung out with. Having the excuse “I got to go get my son” also kept me out of emotional conversations with friends as they understood without question where my priorities were when I would make that statement. I quit hanging as much due to the nature of our living conditions. I couldn’t put myself into a situation to where he’d have to grow up without me. Don't get me wrong I still caught a couple nights out with the fellas, and bent a corner or two occasionally, but my time was dedicated to my new family. Watching him grow has been an amazing experience. All of the sports teams, the school programs, and family trips have all been worthwhile. Even though he’s close to being out of high school I still get to relive some of those experiences with his younger brother.
Now my youngest came in 2014 just a few years after changing jobs and moving to Houston, Texas. When we found out that their mother was pregnant once again we were hoping for a girl this pregnancy, but God intervened and had other plans. I honestly couldn’t be happier with him doing so because this kid is everything that any parent could ever hope for. Now I can’t lie sometimes his energy is a little too much to bare as I’m getting older and can’t go like I used to, but man he’s full of life and I’ve never seen him not smiling! Ever since he’s taken his first steps he’s been 100 mph and I wouldn’t change anything about it. I try hard not to take away from his personality because that’s what’s going to make him who he is once he comes into himself. His manners, and his genuine love for people is what makes him so special in my eyes. Sometimes I get a little jealous how easily he attracts people. I joke with him "you got to be careful being too nice can get you in trouble." He doesn't care! He just wants to smile and wants you smiling with him.
Just like Andy Dufrense fighting the good fight..... I wish I could tell you guys that parenting becomes easy with each child…… well it doesn’t. They all have their own unique personalities, health issues, and with an ever changing world who knows what to expect these days. For example our kids were the first to experience virtual K-12. Who would have ever imagined that? Virtual schooling was definitely a challenge, but I liked the fact that it gave us all more time together. I wouldn't have been mad at all if things stayed that way just a bit longer. Throughout this adventure I am grateful. Though life comes with its challenges and experiences I got two great kids out of the deal that I can’t wait to see become everything they’re destined to be.
As parents we don’t always get it right but as long as you’re trying you get an A in my book! Giving up is the easiest thing that you can do in just about anything. Staying committed to raising your child(ren) is a sign that you’re battle ready and up for any task God brings into your life. Many men have quit on their families, but we won’t highlight that at this time because there are plenty of good men who stepped up to the challenge. Father’s Day should be a time that we show appreciation to those that saw you worthy enough to give you everything that they have big or small.
To all of the Dads, Step Dads, coaches, teachers, pastors, mentors, and any other active men in your life give them their flowers this Fathers Day. They deserve your praise. Being a father is a thankless job because it is our duty to be present even though Moms get all of the praise. We fix while they nurture. We teach by experiences versus moms teaching with emotion. It’s the letting go of the bicycle for the first time and letting the child balance it for themselves and trusting that they will not fall. We don’t get the thank you for being there and believing, but we’re still cheering the loudest because they did indeed do it! All in all we don’t care for any of the glory we just hope that they grow to be better than we ever were. That is why we still smile when we receive another pair of underwear as the years pass. It’s bigger than just one day!
Have a Happy Fathers Day from 426 Skin Care!