My father died of a heart attack one month before I was born. Although my mother was an amazing woman and raised me the best she could as a single parent, I never had a male role model around me as I grew up.My father wasn’t there to teach me to throw a ball, fix my bike, or change the oil in my first car. I didn’t have a daily example of how a man lives, works, and treats his wife and family. Although I longed for it, I never heard the words “I love you” or “I’m proud of you” from a man I called Dad.
Over the years, I’ve met many men who despite having a father physically – lacked a father emotionally. They too never heard the words “I love you” or “I’m proud of you” from the man they called Dad.
When I became a father myself, I vowed to be the man in my kids life that I never had. Although I had idea what this looked liked - I read, reflected, lived, and learned. I led them spiritually, emotionally, and physically. I treated my wife the way I wanted my mom to be treated. I taught them all the things I had to learn the hard way and disciplined them to put others first, stand up for those in need, and unconditionally love others.
In some ways, I’m still searching for my own fathers love and approval. My life and Legacy Dad is a journey and exploration of becoming what I never had and although I will never hear these words on earth, I hope that one day I will hear the words “I love you, I’m proud of you, Well done good and faithful servant!” not only from my own father but from our Heavenly Father.
I love you dad and I hope I make you proud!
Happy Fathers Day
- Lance