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Hey Dad,
I’m heading out the door for the rest of the week and was just sitting at my desk thinking about writing this week’s Familyman when I got an email from Familyman Alan H. (see below). I read the email and felt me heart tighten as I read down through it. I knew the link would be sad, a child would die, and a father’s heart would be broken. I don’t like those kind of emails.
What struck me was the last line of Alan’s email, “Being the dad is now.” There’s a lot in those words. Even before I watched the video, I walked upstairs into our garage/ warehouse and found all my kids assembling parts for our Christmas game. They were all there, including my future daughter-in-law, Rissa. It felt good to this old dad.
Last week I felt the same way as we were playing my youngest son Jed’s newest obsession – Nuke ’em (see rules below). We’ve been playing it for the last couple of weeks. Usually, it’s just a few of us out in our yard tossing the ball over the net, but last week everyone was out there…all ten of us, and I was struck by how infrequently that happens anymore.
It was awesome having our oldest son, Ben, playing and kidding alongside his brothers and sisters. He looked so carefree, alive, and…grown-up. We really are better together than we are apart…but those moments are so fleeting. Like Alan reminded me of in his email.
Being the dad isn’t about the future or the past…it’s about the now.
My fellow dad, pray for a dad who is hurting and take advantage of being the dad…now.
Stop the Madness – This week’s show is out of control. We go from nose piercing to dancing with the stars!!!
The email
Todd,
Matt, the dad, was a friend of mine from college.
Hospice is at their home now…likely it’s a matter of days for Ethan. Here’s what he told his parents a couple weeks ago: “My biggest fear isn’t dying. My biggest fear is that others will blame God for my death and not believe in Him. I don’t want people angry at God or even blaming Him. I mean, there is so much more than just this life. Just because He didn’t heal me on earth doesn’t mean He won’t heal me in Heaven.”
Ethan is just a couple years older than my oldest son, Micah. While I haven’t see the dad since college…and never met Ethan…watching, praying, and sharing this this 4-year journey with my boys (who never met Ethan either) has changed my dad-ness.
Being the dad is now.
Alan
Nuke ’em rules
The game is like volleyball…except instead of hitting the ball, you throw the ball to the other side. Whoever misses the ball is OUT (and moves off the court). BUT if someone on your team then catches the ball one handed….you’re back in.
The game is over when the last team member is out. The great thing about this game is that everyone can play.
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