Fatherly Thoughts: My first Father’s Day!

I must admit. My first Father’s Day was a
little anticlimactic. I was out of town on a writing assignment and missed out on the festivities. You seemed to be pretty understanding about it. Thanks for your patience. I know this is a little late, but I just had to write about how excited I am to be a Dad. What a blessing!

There were those days when I didn’t know if I’d ever get to be a Dad, and now I’m blessed with a wonderful daughter. You’re growing and changing so much every day.


You and your mother got me a great Father’s Day gift. It’s a copy of “Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters.” It’s a great read so far. I’ve been plugging away on it and learning all kinds of cool stuff about being a good dad. What a great responsibility it is to be a Dad. I’m reading more and more about the important role a father plays on a child.

I know that my dad — your Pe Pa — played an important role in my life. He went on to heaven more than four years ago. I wish you could have met him. He definitely would have loved to have met you. He was a Godly man. He taught me a lot about living out my faith and what it means to be a man. I included a photo of him and your Me Ma when they went to see my brother and his family in Kenya years ago.

I still can hear his voice when I’m singing hymns in church or when he used to call me “Shawner.” I remember how we used to throw the football around in the yard. I also remember him reading the Bible every night before he went to bed. He had a tremendous influence on my life, and I want to do the same for you. I want you to grow up to be a Godly young woman who stands up for your faith and values. I’ll do my best to teach you what I can.

Hopefully, you won’t pick up too many bad habits along the way. I know I have a few. Maybe you’ll grow up to be a big football fan like your mom and dad -- Go Rams! Your mother would prefer you to be a Steelers fan ... but we'll see about that.

Either way, thanks Laura for being such a blessing in our lives.