I am the father of two beautiful children. I wear this honor like a badge.
I do this, not only because I am proud of my babies, but because I personally take this honor very seriously. Despite my own daily struggles, work schedules, and a rather long drive, I try to be there for them every chance I get. Not just in proximity, but as an emotional and financial support as well.
When I first became a father six years ago, I thought I had it all covered. I had been there to help raise three of my four sisters, as well as helped my other sister in the early stages of raising my niece.
I quickly found that there was so much I never realized about being a parent, as most parents do. What I considered to be an advantage over most parents, turned out to be nothing more than a false sense of security on my part. Needless to say, I blew up my mother's phone, quite frequently, after the birth of my first child.
Now that I am a single father, I am finding out that building relationships with my children is far more complicated than I ever dreamed. While I have a relationship with my daughter that is as strong as any, I struggle to find even footing with my son.  However, it is not for lack of trying.
Isn't that what it is really all about? Isn't that the true measure of a father? Pretty words are just that, words. Actions always have, and always will have a much more profound effect on people. Even negative actions speak louder than any words ever could.
As men, it seems, many are content to speak volumes and are reluctant to act. When they do act it is with great trepidation and, in many cases, they fail to think it through before they do. They fail to ask themselves, “Am I acting in the best interest of the child, or in my own best interest?”
The true measure of a man, whether dealing with his children or another individual, is based on his character. A man's character defines the nature of his actions. A man's actions give power to his words. This is how it should be. Yet most men place too much value on the words. That is like saying a criminal is guilty or innocent without having any evidence to support that claim.
It is easy for a man to stand before someone and make promises, but the character of that man determines his ability to make those promises happen. The ability to make things happen gives real meaning to that promise. Otherwise they are just empty words without hope of reward.
I can promise you, as a single father, I intend to measure up to my children's expectations of me. Can you say the same?