Parenthood

It is the most difficult and demanding title I have ever held. It is also the most rewarding: the title of “Dad”. My partner and I have been blessed with three boys: an older pair of twins that are 10 years old and another son that recently turned 9. Three boys within 18 months of one another. It is a busy household and I would not change it for the World. I love them all dearly.

But I am certainly not a perfect parent. I have been known to raise my voice when the children are not listening, or otherwise misbehaving. I sometimes let them play too long on their devices to avoid any arguments about how much time is too much. And I let much of the discipline and decision-making fall to my spouse. I need to become an equal partner in the parental duties. I am working on all of these areas but fully admit they remain a work in progress.

I believe every generation learns from the generation before. If we are fortunate we take the best from what our parents taught us, disregard the worst, and then add to it our own insights to deal with the unique challenges of our day. Slowly over time this progresses the love shown to successive generations, from generations past.

I have been fortunate in that my parents laid a strong foundation on which I could build upon for my children. I never doubted their love for me and they worked tirelessly to provide my brother and I an environment that fostered our curiosity and ambitions. Both my parents have since passed away and I miss them both terribly.

And I hope to one day be to my sons, what my father was to me: my hero. A person to look up to, to model, and to love. Until that day comes I can promise my sons that I will teach them to always think for themselves and how to live a good life. All the while smothering them with hugs, trying to get my kisses in, and never being shy with the words “I love you“.