‘Fatherhood Made Me’ Series- Mark's Story

It’s been such a treat to share so many #motherhoodmademe stories lately, but when I started working on the series, I knew I wanted to highlight the other half of the team, too. Parenting is one wild ride, and if you are blessed to have a great partner by your side, it truly makes the ride even more wonderful. Fathers often have a very different journey through parenthood than we do as moms. They may appear more behind the scenes than front and center, but that is not the true role the good ones play. The dads in my life are leading men, and I am so excited to share this new #fatherhoodmademe series.

As is with many daughters, my dad was my first hero. He is tough, but tender. And by this I mean he tries to act tough all the time, but whenever I would leave from a visit home during college, he would immediately start crying. My dad is a lover of traditions and family. Every year on my birthday, he would call the local country radio station and have them play ‘our’ song (“She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful” by Sammy Kershaw). He taught me all the best curse words (never intentionally, he’s just a sailor so my siblings and I made sure to save them in the memory bank over the years), and that In N Out makes the best cheeseburger. He is a founding father of the #dadjoke, and I will never forget the road trips listening to Jeff Foxworthy stand up on cassette tape, in our minivan. He’s one of a kind, and I love him “way up to the moon” (a phrase we’ve been saying for the past 30+ years). I am thrilled to share my dads #fatherhoodmademe story with you.

Here is Mark’s Story:

One of the best days of my life was the day I got married. Not only did I become a husband, but I also became a father.

Melissa became the beginning of the greatest adventure of my life.

Knowing that one is never enough, two years later along came our second daughter, Caitlyn. Another event that changed my life for the better.

And since two is good but three is better, three years later along came Tim. Making life even better again.

Now the family was complete with the trio that would enrich my life forever.

Fatherhood made me aware. And with awareness comes realization. Here are just a few of the many realizations that occurred over the years:

I realized that small human beings can make huge messes.

I realized that having a good wife is also very important when raising children, especially when they wake up crying in the middle of the night.

I realized what happiness, pride, accomplishment, sadness and hardship really are.

I realized that I sounded exactly like my dad.

I realized that re-living your childhood memories were fun and possible when you had willing helpers.

I realized that you really do miss the small things as they grow up, like no longer needing to hold your hand while crossing the street or walking through parking lots.

I realized the true magic of Christmas and birthday parties.

There are so many more, but most importantly I realized that I was truly lucky and blessed to be a part of raising, knowing, and loving three of the most outstanding people in the world. You are intelligent, compassionate, caring, thoughtful and so much more that I can’t begin to describe. 

Fatherhood made me a better man.

Thank you Melissa, Caitlyn and Tim. I love you all.

Dad