Ava asked me the other day where one of her friend’s dad was. Just like that. Out of the blue. This friend’s dad recently moved out … I wasn’t exactly sure how to answer Ava’s question. I told her that her friend’s dad was gone. He left. He did a bad thing and moved out of the house. My simplified explanation seemed to get through to her. Then she made a confused/frowny face and asked, “Why?”
Why indeed? I shrugged at that point and distracted her with some fatherly command that she walked off to obey. The thing is, there are hundreds of reasons why relationships don’t last, and why families get torn apart. There are countless justifications and moralizations. Society accepts it … I don’t.
I don’t accept it. Personally, my value and worth as a human being is defined by my kids. My happiest moments are moments spent with my family.
Watching Jaron all dressed up and walking down the aisle at Uncle Grant and Auntie Mary’s wedding.
Watching Ava do incredible feats on the gymnastics floor.
Watching Davin overcome his fear and frantically swim by himself to the edge of the pool.
Proverbs says that righteous kids bring joy to their parents. These little lives have been entrusted to us. This is our mandate, our mission, our purpose! What could be more fulfilling than having children who know they are loved and who will look back and say, “I have the best mom and dad in the world.”
Nothing. Nothing is more fulfilling than that.
So, I try my best. I refuse to let circumstances tear my family apart. I try to choose them over me. I make the effort and I hope I’m getting better. Kudos to all you parents who are there for your children., and to all you single moms and dads giving up so much to care for your kids. Keep it up. The reward is worth the sacrifice.