Beyond Father’s Day – The Lifelong Journey of Being a Dad
“Our kids own us nothing; we own them everything.”
– Ryan Holiday
“Every father should remember one day his son will follow his example, not his advice.”
– Charles Kettering
“Any fool can have a child. That doesn’t make you a father. It’s the courage to raise a child that makes you a father.”
– Barack Obama
Father’s Day, a celebration of one of the most cardinal figures in a child’s life. Of course, the significance of a father extends beyond the formative years of childhood, persisting throughout their lifespan. Moreover, this day also appreciates those who have assumed the roles of father figures, instigating a deeper introspection of what it truly means to be regarded as a father or a fatherly figure.
At its core, fatherhood encompasses two quintessential elements: the conveyance of unyielding love and commitment, and the embodiment of a commendable role model in the daily flux of life. The latter, the most significant and perhaps, presents the most formidable challenge. The temptation to yield to life’s hardships, to submit to inertia, is potent, especially when faced with the monumental task of nurturing young minds. This is human nature in its rawest form, the tendency to move towards the path of least resistance; it demands relentless dedication to overcome.
Even now, as I formulate the preliminary structure of this blog, a desire to abandon the endeavor pervades my thoughts. I find myself generating an arsenal of excuses, from the benign discomfort in my stomach to the suggestion of dedicating more time to my pregnant wife and my own mother while our children are peacefully napping. Doubts about the relevance of my words, the significance of my contribution, and the daunting possibility of failure have assailed my thoughts. I find myself questioning my worth, my purpose, and the potential consequences of my decisions on my family’s well-being.
Recognize these thoughts for what they are: resistance. An inherent reluctance to choose the arduous, righteous path over the easier one. Such struggles are intrinsic in the journey of fatherhood, further exacerbated by the challenges imposed by modern society. Raising a resilient, principled, and morally upright child becomes an uphill battle amidst the increasing erosion of these values. In such a world, fathers can be seen as the remaining pillars upholding the remnants of traditional family values. This context illuminates the alarming correlation between societal decay and the decline in fathers actively participating in their children’s lives.
An integral component of a father’s presence in a household is his relationship with the mother. The bond between parents serves as an influential blueprint of love, commitment, respect, communication, teamwork, trust, and compassion for a child. It is this relationship that profoundly influences the child’s socialization more than any other external influence. This intricacy of fatherhood requires maintaining a committed, respectful, and loving relationship while raising children, demanding immense compassion and humility. It is, therefore, easier for some fathers to abandon their responsibilities when the burden becomes unbearable. However, the essence of genuine commitment lies in consistently supporting the mother, children, and the family. This embodies manhood and selflessness, and provides an exemplary illustration of adulthood, fostering the growth of morally upright children.
So, as we reflect on Father’s Day, let’s celebrate all the dads out there, not just on that day, but every day. They deserve admiration, love, and respect, just as mothers do. Together, the two form the strongest team, solely capable of bringing life into this world and shaping future generations. Therefore, as we move on from Father’s Day, let’s extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the fathers who have stayed committed, expressing love to their partners and children, and leading their families with unwavering determination. Fathers, continue to cherish your partners and children wholeheartedly, for your love and dedication are appreciated more than you could ever comprehend. With love, from a fellow dad.
Stay free, dads.
-Greg
Happy Father’s Day to all the daddies out there! Remember, it’s easy to become a dad 🤪💦🤰, but it’s much harder to be a father 👨💼👨👧👦!
— Greg Cello (@gregorycello) June 18, 2023
Interested in reading more about my thoughts on being a dad, be sure to check out my reflections on parenting here.
Great post Greg! Very nice article on the importance of a father. But also how it is the mother and father team that ultimately will have the greatest influence on the family unit.
Thank you Kathy! I appreciate your emphasis on the mother-father tandem in raising a successful family! I truly think it is something that gets left out of the discussion these days and should be highlighted more often.