Father’s Day is soon approaching and there are many fathers who love being a Dad. We love hearing about those favorite things dads love which helps us to appreciate what fathers do for us. This collection of fathers are from all ages and backgrounds.
“In hindsight, the best thing about being a Dad is watching how my own have taken on a parent role and successfully raise their own children. To see my children, whom I taught to be positive adults, as I instilled in them a sense of goodness, and then turn around and use those principles with their own children is very rewarding. I also really enjoyed the time I spent in playing and teaching them and then see them grow to adulthood.”
Victor (Age 58)
“I love seeing what fascinating, kind, generous, decent people my children have grown up to be.” Gus (Age 70)
"Being a father gives me an additional sense of purpose to my existence, beyond that of my life experiences of "pre-fatherhood." I can say without hesitation, it is one of the single most difficult, important, self-less things a man can experience in his lifetime, if he actually chooses to participate in creating another life. I define being a father as not simply a man who has mated with a female to produce another living being, but the continued time, effort, and responsibility required to see that newly, created living being, develop into an independent, self-thinking, productive adult for society. I like being a father for many reasons, as it stretches the limitations of my capabilities, it keeps me grounded and responsible to other souls other than my own. It begs me to be creative, thoughtful, compassionate, loving, stern, and demanding...basically, it prepares me for anything the world has to throw at me”
William (Age 42)
“I like being a father because then I have something to teach and help grow so that she can become self-sufficient and mostly helpful to society. I've seen how other parents raise their children and it's generally disappointing so I'm excited to try my hand at it as well.” P. Terry (Age 27)
“What I discovered after my kids all left the house was that they were my hobby. Their activities and sports filled my time in a good way.”
Bob (Age 54)
“In my experience the profound joy of fatherhood grows over time. There is an incredible rush at the birth of our first child, as we hold him or her in our arms. There is the thrill of hearing the first ‘Da-da’, seeing the first steps taken, watching their first effort to catch a ball, cheering their first ball game, and seeing their hilarious mimicking of us when we least expect it (like when my toddler daughter "mowed" the lawn with me with her dolly-size baby buggy, or ‘shaved’ using her toothbrush).
Then there is the depth of joy that only comes when our children face a crisis, and we fathers are there by their side -- whether physically or virtually -- encouraging, praying, listening, expressing faith in them...and rejoicing with them when they come through it (perhaps a bit bruised, but surviving and thriving). But the greatest joy comes in having both a hope and confidence that those precious spirits in our stewardship will be with us forever, if we nurture them and forgive their mistakes (as they, hopefully, forgive ours) and love them unconditionally, as our Savior loves us. That is worth all the pain and time and money...many, many times over. That is pure joy.”
George. (Age 71)
“I like several specific things about being a father, listed from most important to least important:
1. Teaching/influencing: teaching her and her responding in a positive way to my influence. For example telling her to ask for something instead of demanding it or teaching her to look both ways before crossing the street.
2. Interacting: dancing, listening to music, reading, playing in the dirt, carrying, running, etc.
3. Protecting: intervening on her behalf when others are not treating her appropriately, or when she is in danger.
4. Providing: providing resources to allow her to have as many positive life experiences as possible: food, shelter, clothing, education, travel, etc.”
Roger (Age 34)
“I love that my children and I get along so well and that they come see me frequently or allow me to come see them frequently. We have dinner together mostly but the conversation, hugs, and love are palpable. It is also nice that they have brought me some unique, loving, and friendly grandchildren into my life.”
Van the Man with the Plan for the Promised Land (Age 60)
It’s inspiring to read so many different fathers’ points of view and how important their children are to them. This father’s day, remember who loves and protects families.