Happy Father Days to all who are reading this today. I know that for a man, being a father is one of the hardest, most fulfilling jobs you will have. Often, we don’t see our results in real time and this can fill us with doubt. When my oldest daughter was three years old, I was teaching her how to put together a puzzle. It didn’t seem like she was getting it and being a new father, I really questioned what I was doing wrong. Fortunately, Christmas came six months later and she was opening up her presents and Santa brought puzzles. Her eyes lit up and she immediately began to put the puzzles together without help. It was truly a proud moment in fatherhood for me.  

We work a lot of hours and sometimes we only hear about our successes from our spouse. We may not see their first step or hear their first word. I believe at an early age; it is instilled in us to be providers. Twice in my career I have worked 12-hour shifts, seven days a week. The first time I worked that many hours, I was in my thirties and was ready for the challenge. We were installing a new line (oven) at Keebler’s. A contractor in my home local was hiring guys for a big push at the end of the job. I started in October and worked 7-12s until January. My wife had to do all the Christmas shopping online and on paper, it was the best Christmas ever. Work gave us all a Honey Baked Ham for the Holidays, and I felt like a hero.

I’m not saying this to brag, in fact I wouldn’t recommend it. Working that many hours wear you down mentally and physically. At the time, I thought that was what I had to do for my family. I learned a lot from that job. I learned what I was capable of and I learned money isn’t the most important thing in life. Since then, I have learned to say no to the long hours so I can be with my family. My health is important and making memories with my kids holds more value to me than ever before.

Your kids are only young once and you can never get that time back when they are grown. It doesn’t matter what your coworkers think of you and jobs will come and go. Be the best version of yourself for your kids. Show up every day and put the time in with your children. The earlier you portray how you want your kids to see you the better.

I’ll see you on the next one