There will always be several things that I think of when the word "Father" is said to me. First and foremost, my own father will come to mind and how he was constantly participating in PTA meetings, coming to piano recitals and track meets. One of my favorite memories is going on a father and sons campout, sitting around the tent, eating special candy that he always has, eating delicious pioneer stew (made by my wonderful cook of a mother) and then, all the sudden, he pulls out his laptop (I must sidenote and say that this was when decent laptops were new, as well as DVDs) and he pulled out U571, a submarine movie, and that is one of the moments when I knew that my dad was the coolest dad ever. Another fond memory that I have of him is Stadium of Fire, Beach Boys addition. Seeing him so happy and singing his guts out and just spending quality time with my pop.
The second thing I think about is my own desire to be a father. Having been around tons of neices and nephews, as well as many other kids, I look forward to having my own little daughter or son.
My thoughts about being a father have changed slightly, or maybe I should say that they have solidified after having watched this video on youtube.
Fatherhood. By Any Means. Necessary.
Although I don't agree with the assumption in the beginning of the couple not being married, I do appreciate the bravery and courage that it takes to not only take on the responsibility of your child but to then place him or her above yourself. That, that is fatherhood. "For the men who see their babies as blessings and not mistakes and their job is father to your daughter is the world's greatest occupation"
"This is for men who go further, who strive to be better." Inevitably, there will be times as a father where I will fail. Despite my best efforts, whether it is being linient and letting him watch a movie that probably is a little too violent, or for not giving enough time to listening to her tell me about her day. But as stated, men must strive to be better. I cannot stop trying, for my own sake, but mainly for their sake.
"Who love gently from their hugs and even harder from their hearts."
As a dad, there will be plenty of things that you would rather not do, but because your child loves it, you gladly do it to spend time with them. There are also many aspects of fatherhood that are not spoke of. For example, when he says, "For all the dads who know all the words to every Justin Beiber and Miley Cyrus Song," is that what society thinks of when they hear the word father? Or do they think of a man with a pot belly, working on the car or reading a newspaper? What of the fathers that are playing dolls with their little girls, or listening to music with their sons (music that they think is wild and outrageous)? Are they good fathers? How do we change the stereotype?
"For all the fathers who raise their daughters by feeding their minds with books and knowledge of the history, not letting them be misguided by what they see on TV."
After watching this clip (and I have watched it quite a few times) I get chills. This is what fatherhood really is. Putting children above your own wants and desires. Being their for them and doing what's best for them. Too few tv shows, movies, books, and other types of media show this type of parenting from the male end of the spectrum. By no means do I mean to take away the sanctity and wonderful nurturing qualities of women and mothers. I only think that society needs to see more men stepping up and fighting for their children. No more of these bumbling idiots that are portrayed in Modern Family, Simpsons, Home Improvement, or even the Bill Cosby show. These shows are funny, but give kids and fathers a warped sense of what being a father means.
We may feel that we are inadequate to do our job as men, husbands, and fathers, but it is possible. There are things we can work on. For starters, take a glance at a talk given by an Apostle of Jesus Christ, entitled: Brethren, We Have Work to Do.
There are more good quality men than I think we realize, but each feel somewhat alone. But deep down, in their moderately solitary role, they have the follow creed:
"This is God's work. A man's work. And I don't care how you get it done. This is Fatherhood. By any means. Necessary."
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