Pa·ter·fa·mil·i·as-
noun \ˌpa-tər-fə-ˈmi-lē-əs,ˌpä-, ˌpā-\
Definition of PATERFAMILIAS
1 : the male head of a household
2 : the father of a family
3 : a man who originates or is a leading figure in something (as a movement, discipline, or enterprise)
This is my 24th Fathers Day. I have yet to win Father of the Year. 24 times, I began my day reflecting on the quality of my work and role as a father the year prior. Most of the time I found myself lacking. Not today. Now, I won't claim the title this year either, but I am getting better!
Today, I get to create a moment that a father idealizes from the moment he becomes a father, the first car.
I was not in a position in my life to be able to provide or even contribute to my first two daughters first cars. I felt guilty that I could not be part of that moment but I was grateful they didn't go without. Their step-dad, Dan made sure they had what they needed and continues to do so to this day. Gratitude, (though it barely expresses the sentiment.)
My step-daughter Savannah is as close to me as any of my own children. She turns 16 this October. Yesterday we found a great deal on the perfect car for her and we bought it. We are giving it to her today, Fathers Day.
I am currently basking in my success as a father and I am trying to come up with a creative way to give it to her tonight at dinner. However, I still feel a twinge of guilt for my past failures to measure up to the moment.
Today I will celebrate my moment, a symbolic achievement of fatherhood, and instead of dwelling on my past failures as a father, I will pay it forward. Father, Step-Father, first chance or second chance, there's always some reason to feel not good enough, but not today.
To all my kids, I am sorry for all the times I let you down, was not the man, father, or example I could have been. I know I can be a better father, but I think you guys got pretty lucky, all things considered, I might be turning into a good dad after all.
Love you all with all my heart.
Today, I get to create a moment that a father idealizes from the moment he becomes a father, the first car.
I was not in a position in my life to be able to provide or even contribute to my first two daughters first cars. I felt guilty that I could not be part of that moment but I was grateful they didn't go without. Their step-dad, Dan made sure they had what they needed and continues to do so to this day. Gratitude, (though it barely expresses the sentiment.)
My step-daughter Savannah is as close to me as any of my own children. She turns 16 this October. Yesterday we found a great deal on the perfect car for her and we bought it. We are giving it to her today, Fathers Day.
I am currently basking in my success as a father and I am trying to come up with a creative way to give it to her tonight at dinner. However, I still feel a twinge of guilt for my past failures to measure up to the moment.
Today I will celebrate my moment, a symbolic achievement of fatherhood, and instead of dwelling on my past failures as a father, I will pay it forward. Father, Step-Father, first chance or second chance, there's always some reason to feel not good enough, but not today.
To all my kids, I am sorry for all the times I let you down, was not the man, father, or example I could have been. I know I can be a better father, but I think you guys got pretty lucky, all things considered, I might be turning into a good dad after all.
Love you all with all my heart.
Dad/Joe
