It’s Father’s Day and I figured that I could save a few bucks on a gift and simply do a post telling my husband how great he is. Who wouldn’t want that? But, I changed my mind, got the gift and decided that I still wanted to share with the world how lucky my girls are to have such a great dad.
I’m not just saying this because he’s my husband, but Lamar realizes the importance that a dad plays in the family. He works super hard to be a great influence and role model for our girls. Here are his nuggets of wisdom about fatherhood.
~What has helped you most in preparing for being a dad? “Getting married later in life, I think I was more mature. I was in a men’s group that really helped and encouraged me. I’ve been around so many men who are good fathers. I’ve had good mentors.”
~You’re now seven years into fatherhood. What advice would you give to new dads? “More than anything, remember that someone is watching all the time. Therefore, you need to be an example.” And special needs dads? “To a special needs dad, I would say find that one thing that makes you smile and hold on to that. When you have those difficult moments, go back to that one thing. The tough times can’t take away that good thing. For me, it’s Juliana’s beautiful smile.”
~You read a lot of books specifically for fathers. What are you reading now? What’s your take-away from it thus far? “I’m reading Hero by Meg Meeker. My kids are constantly looking at me and I want to always be a hero in their eyes.”
~What other books have you read about fatherhood that you would recommend? “Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters by Meg Meeker is by far my favorite. Other favorites include: Dad Time by Max Lucado and Be the Dad She Needs You to be by Kevin Leman.”
~Is being a dad all that you expected? “I think it’s all that I expected and then some, in a good way. Honestly, I could never have imagined it being as good as it is. What has surprised you most? “More than anything being able to watch my kids grow day-to-day. It’s mind boggling.”
~Men always get a bad rap for not being relational enough, so let’s debunk that myth some. I think you do a great job connecting with your male friends. Here’s your chance to acknowledge the guys who support you and those you support. So, who are you giving a shout-out to? “There’s no level of ranking here, but I want to shout-out to: Ed, Brian, Eric, Chris, Allen/Alan, Jason and of course my brothers.”
~This final question will certainly define you, and I’m sure it’s one on everyone’s mind–Golden State Warriors or Cleveland Cavaliers? The Warriors, of course. Stephen Curry is a big believer, family guy and role model.
And there you have it folks. See, I told you my girls are lucky.
