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The ever changing role of "Dad" was made even clearer to me this past fathers day. I was grateful to have my son and daughter-in-law back in the area for good, hopefully, as he transferred into an opening with Homeland Security. Getting away from the city, and being able to focus more on his family will be positive. Both he and his wife will be working, and with two young children their lives will be very busy. As for my situation, now we have grandchildren in the picture, and I will need just a little more energy at times to keep up with everything.
This same fathers day weekend was my daughter Megan's birthday celebration. It struck me as to how much energy is required for these things; friends, balloons, cake, games and add a couple grand kids...I'm pooped!
As is a custom with our family on birthdays, holidays and special occasions, I received calls from my daughters Erin and Laurie. Erin is an office manager in lower Michigan, and Laurie a Physical Therapist at a hospital in Upper Michigan. I missed Laurie's call, due to the commotion and the fact that she was on her break at work. I called her later that night. Erin's call made me think. After the usual talking points and well wishes, we talked about her job and the stresses we all come under with management. I said to her, "You sound tired"...in which she replied, Yes, I'm burnt out and need a vacation away from here!"
It came to me during this conversation that a dad's role can be compared to several different jobs, one of which could be an air traffic controller. These people are masters at handling stress and aren't given enough credit for all that they do! Maybe I'm over exaggerating my point, but the fact remains that fathers juggle several roles and are expected to be there in all kinds of "weather". The requirements of life, such as the job, volunteering for different groups, being active in your child's school, trying to fix things around the house...and last but NOT least, staying in touch with your wife all place demands and stresses on a father. When the conversation with Erin ended, I realized that as much as I was tired, this young professional woman was also tired from the pressures of her job and life, but she unknowingly recharged me! Sometimes we get so absorbed in life that we don't listen, we don't take care of things in our own "house". But she made me think, and I felt like she had given me a shot of adrenaline! Knowing that your child needs you and you need them, for me does things to me that I can't explain.
Fathers have a special place in the lives of their children. It is a place that is sacred. It mustn't be abused. When I hear the word "Dad" or "Daddy" when I'm being spoken to, makes me feel proud, and gives me a sense of purpose. That shot of adrenaline...and extra energy that I need. I love all my children and would do anything for them. I'm sure many fathers feel the same. I'm sure I'm not alone as to how I feel about that word...."Daddy". It is very powerful.
Mark Cavis
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