What's Next?

Lately, I've been seeking out where I want to take The Father Project. What is my point? What is the mission and scope of The Father Project? In doing so, I've learned about Social Entrepreneurs. These are people who create organizations devoted to a cause serving the greater good. The concept alone, while very ideological, seemed right up my alley and has inspired me to move boldly forward to where no man has gone before.

After further consideration, my intention is to move forward in an effort to impact communities in a way that causes them to become more family focused vs. "what about me" focused. Across all socioeconomic communities (some worse than others) children have suffered the absence of their parents for some reason or another. I acknowledge the varying degrees of impact, but the relativity does not negate the impact of each childs struggle. It is not my unrealistic intention to rid children's lives of troubles and challenges, but rather inspire parents to more fully engage in serving as children's guides in order to adequately prepare our next generation of decision makers. Childhood is about enjoying childhood and preparing for what's next. It takes a village and, in the end, the question remains the same...Are we as parents, and citizens of a community larger than ourselves, doing everything we can in the best interest of our children and our communities? Ideally, we do this while maintaining a healthy balance along the way.

The plan of The Father Project is to market to communities via community based events and group speaking engagements. We will also support and educate mothers and fathers through our local team of mentoring professionals.

Drew

My non-profit project is dedicated to my son Drew. In his honor, I've written the following.

Drew, son, did you know my life is for you? From much younger years, from your spirit I grew. Dreaming. Watching. Living. Preparing. For you son. For you.

Good. Better. Best. It's never enough. But, I promise you this...I'll give you all I've got. I'll teach you all I know, raise you right, and give you strength to fight. God. Father/Son. Family. Our creed to be. Politics. Business. And women. Those days are later. I want to teach you to fly, even in the craziest of times.

Let's enjoy skipping rocks on the water and climbing trees again. Let's feel the sun on our faces. Son let's jump in and sing the song of life again.

I love you sport!!! Thank you for being my son!

Fatherhood Campaign

The initiative I've taken to educate myself on the topic of Fatherhood has grown roots. Progress has been made. Local organizations have been identified, phone meetings have been held, and a meeting with an event organization team takes place on Feb. 19th. If you have any ideas or have any experience with events that have left a mark, please share. What promotional event do you remember most? What was unique? Some small things you remember most. The topic of Fatherhood is far more significant than I ever realized. I welcome any help I can get as I continue to work towards my desire get fathers more involved with raising their children. Thank you!

On the Other Side

What's on the other side of divorce? At least when young children are involved, there's still years and years of relationship and issues requiring both of you. Issues at school. Emotional health issues. Physical health. Disciplinary issues. Upbringing issues. The shaping of study habits, manners, and a childs relentless pursuit to identify boundaries. Above all else a child of divorced parents requires consistency between homes. To be optimally effective, this requires communication and compromise. That said, if these were your strongsuits you two very well may still be married. Thus, my point. We all know the choice to divorce does not happen overnight, is incredibly difficult, and by no means are all scenarios the same. But, why does it seem parents are more willing to make the childs needs a priority AFTER the divorce vs. before hand? Before hand seems to be riddled with pride, ego, and battle. While afterwards it seems to be less pride, ego, and battle and more whatever needs to happen for the child (to some degree anyway). After all, if the welfare of the child is a priority, both parents must submit their pride and ego, summon their strongest diplomatic communication skills, and be willing to compromise certain things in the best interest of the child. It is this very same skill set needed in-house prior to divorcing, but it seems to be lost somewhere along the road leading to divorce. I get the personal freedom one will experience post divorce vs. being bound by the walls of your home you both live in. However, I do want to introduce the fact that when a child is involved you will forever have a relationship with your wife, like it or not, and in the interest of the children we must do everything we can beyond the shadow of a doubt. I for one feel as though I could have done more. I don't know what, but...For Drew, anything would have been worth it. In short, children will experience our choice to divorce for the rest of their lives in one capacity or another. I've seen my sister and brother-in-law fight long and hard for their marriage and I'm left inspired and appreciative. Their example gives me hope and has taught me a lesson. Thank you Angie and Richard. I love you! All things said, I do get sometimes there's just nothing left. And, it just plain sucks.