Sean,
Today is my first Fathers day since your birth and I want to take a minute and first sat that I am so happy that I have the opportunity to be your Dad. There is not much I can say about how much it means to me just that it gives me a lot of purpose in many things in life to know that not only is it my job to help raise you right, it is my privilege to watch you learn and grow as a result of that.
There is a lot more to "fathering" than just to give half your children's genetic code. There have been people in my life that were father figures to me whether or not they were my Father, or even fathers themselves. Being a father is about helping teach your children what is right and what is wrong. To stand behind them and support them when it feels like no one else does, and as a boy being a father is about showing your son how a man is supposed to act and be.
Some people will teach you what it is to be a man, in negative ways. They will show you a way of being that is inconsistent and in so doing will show you what it is that you do not want to become. Others will teach you what it is to be a man perhaps partially, things you would like to strive to, but perhaps in such a way that you will not follow it completely. Others will be good examples of what it is to be a man even if they are not biological fathers themselves.
Growing up I had several figures like this in my life, Teachers, Scout Masters, Older friends at church, and my own father. Each contributing something to the person I am today. Good or bad, I learned from each of them what it was to be a man and the way in which not only should carry myself, but also how I was to treat others. This is less mental exercise as a physical one. No matter what you say it is you actions that speak louder than your words. As Marcus Aurelius the 2nd Century philosopher said: "Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one"
Father figures will speak more in their deeds about how to be a good man, than poor ones will in their words alone.
I cannot speak about fatherhood from the female perspective but to say this, be the kind of man that others want to be around. embody your virtues and in as much as possible show others your good character. This does not mean be taken advantage of, but rather if you find yourself with those who will, remove yourself as quickly and as wisely as possible.
It is my pleasure to be your dad and I can only do what is in my power to teach you and show you rightly what it is to be a good man.
love you son,
Dad
Sunday, June 19, 2016
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
I am glad I am your dad.
Sean,
Last night you woke up at 4:30 and would not stop crying until I came to get you out of your playpen. You have been sleeping in your room for almost a week now, and besides things like when you stand up and can't sit down from the edge of the playpen, you are doing pretty well sleeping through the night and getting to sleep on your own.
Last Sunday I bought you an inflatable pool and I have to say, I have never met a baby that loved the water as much as you do.
Fathers day is in a week from Sunday, and last night, as it does periodically, it really hit me just how much I love being your dad.
When we were eating dinner last night you kept looking at me and when I looked back at you, you would smile and giggle. You are pulling yourself around the house on your arms, (it is not that you can't crawl, you just don't) and on more than one occasion you are pulling yourself up to standing now. It drives your mom crazy as she is worried you will stand up then fall down and bump your head but it has happened a couple of times and we are always watching you to make sure you keep your balance. Last night while I was doing homework at the dining room table, you stood up off the chair were standing just under the table and smiling because you did it all yourself.
You say Dada often and though mom is not sure you are calling me, I feel like you are.
Last night when I went to get you from your room. you had stood yourself up and just couldn't sit down. I picked you up, and we laid down on your bed and you settled right back down and fell asleep in my arms.
It amazes me just how big you have grown, and before long we may have to move you to your big bed since it will not be long before you can climb out of your playpen or you get too tall to do it.
When I think about fathers day it makes me so happy that I get to be your dad, I am not sure I need anything else. Sometimes you are frustrating, but the look on your face when I get home or when you see me makes all of it worth it. We definitely have some hard times, when I know you are tired but won't sleep, or when something is wrong and we cannot figure out what it is, things are hard. But, all of that being said. I love you more than anything and am so happy that you are my little boy. No matter what I will be there for you in one way or another when you need it. Life is not always going to be easy, but I will always be there if you need to talk about something.
On a final note the other day I was building a sword stand for my Scottish Swords and when you saw them you lit up and started crawling towards them, and last night you found one of my Maille coasters and mom had to send me a picture since you were fascinated with it. I love that you seem to like the things I do (though you are 7 months, who knows?) but know that just because something is my passion and love does not mean that you always have to do the same, I never want you to not do what you love or enjoy just because it is not something I do. If we share interests that is cool, if not, You are and always will be your own person and I would never take that away from you. If you are 10 years old and hate sword, I will never make you take one of my classes or do anything with it unless you want to.
I love you Son,
Dad
Last night you woke up at 4:30 and would not stop crying until I came to get you out of your playpen. You have been sleeping in your room for almost a week now, and besides things like when you stand up and can't sit down from the edge of the playpen, you are doing pretty well sleeping through the night and getting to sleep on your own.
Last Sunday I bought you an inflatable pool and I have to say, I have never met a baby that loved the water as much as you do.
Fathers day is in a week from Sunday, and last night, as it does periodically, it really hit me just how much I love being your dad.
When we were eating dinner last night you kept looking at me and when I looked back at you, you would smile and giggle. You are pulling yourself around the house on your arms, (it is not that you can't crawl, you just don't) and on more than one occasion you are pulling yourself up to standing now. It drives your mom crazy as she is worried you will stand up then fall down and bump your head but it has happened a couple of times and we are always watching you to make sure you keep your balance. Last night while I was doing homework at the dining room table, you stood up off the chair were standing just under the table and smiling because you did it all yourself.
You say Dada often and though mom is not sure you are calling me, I feel like you are.
Last night when I went to get you from your room. you had stood yourself up and just couldn't sit down. I picked you up, and we laid down on your bed and you settled right back down and fell asleep in my arms.
It amazes me just how big you have grown, and before long we may have to move you to your big bed since it will not be long before you can climb out of your playpen or you get too tall to do it.
When I think about fathers day it makes me so happy that I get to be your dad, I am not sure I need anything else. Sometimes you are frustrating, but the look on your face when I get home or when you see me makes all of it worth it. We definitely have some hard times, when I know you are tired but won't sleep, or when something is wrong and we cannot figure out what it is, things are hard. But, all of that being said. I love you more than anything and am so happy that you are my little boy. No matter what I will be there for you in one way or another when you need it. Life is not always going to be easy, but I will always be there if you need to talk about something.
On a final note the other day I was building a sword stand for my Scottish Swords and when you saw them you lit up and started crawling towards them, and last night you found one of my Maille coasters and mom had to send me a picture since you were fascinated with it. I love that you seem to like the things I do (though you are 7 months, who knows?) but know that just because something is my passion and love does not mean that you always have to do the same, I never want you to not do what you love or enjoy just because it is not something I do. If we share interests that is cool, if not, You are and always will be your own person and I would never take that away from you. If you are 10 years old and hate sword, I will never make you take one of my classes or do anything with it unless you want to.
I love you Son,
Dad
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