A message to the fathers out there...

[2thepoint]

I just wanted to drop a note to wish all of the LBS who have children, a happy fathers day. Although we may be in a difficult situation with our spouses, our children need us now more than ever. And while our wives may be pushing us away, hopefully our sitches have allowed us to draw closer to our kids.

I know it is hard to find a silver lining in the storm clouds that surround our relationship with our wives, but for me there is a positive outcome and that is the strengthening bond between my two sons and I.

My 14 year old son will be going to high school next semester. As his school year drew to a close, the school held a field day for the graduating class. The school needed volunteers and since I was available I signed up and ended up having a blast!

Friday and Saturday of this week I participated in a father/son basketball camp with my 10 year old son. Although basketball is really not my thing, it is for my son. And so I signed up and spent two days shooting hoops, playing games, getting physical, stretching muscles I didn't even know I had and I am sitting here as I type, barely able to move! But, I have to tell you, it was totally worth it! We had a terrific time and I know that my son will always remember this time we spent together.

And to be completely honest here, had it not been for my W telling me she was DONE, I probably would have found a hundred excuses to not spend this time with my kids. In fact, my W recently commented "It's really nice to see how your relationship has grown!"

Working through our troubled relationships is no easy feat. People all around us are impacted by the decisions we make. If we allow ourselves to go off the deep end, things can get ugly in a hurry. But, if we slow down and take stock, look for the positives in every scenario and in the words of an old friend from the deep south, "learn how to turn chicken sh!t in to apple butter", we may just find that there is in fact a silver lining after all.

So, give your kids a hug today. Tell them you love them. Treat them well and shelter them from the pain and anguish that surround us. Demonstrate through your daily actions what it is to be a great father and mentor.

Lead and love!