On Fathering

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