It was early morning, the kind where the world is still quiet before the noise sets in. Coffee steamed in a worn mug, and a man sat at usual spot in the living room, turned on the news, setting his coffee on the side table, reviewing the feeds and looking out at a world that sometimes felt like it had lost its way.
Everywhere he tuned in, the headlines were heavy…., stories of brokenness, protests, unrest, confusion, and young people committing violent acts, etc. searching for something real in a sea of noise. It felt like too many kids were growing up without direction, learning more from screens of influence rather than from life, mentorship, history and love.
He shook his head, not in anger, but in concern.
Because he knew something different.
He had lived something different.
He reflected upon many losses along his nearly sixty years but also realized he had been blessed…, blessed with not one, but two dads.
One had raised him day in and day out. The kind of dad who showed up no matter what. The kind who didn’t always have the perfect words but always had the right presence. The kind who taught lessons not just by speaking, but by living. Taking him to every ballgame, travel to different countries, and doing mundane things like learning to repair cars, appliances and keeping the things needed for life working and moving.
The other came back into his life later…, not from circumstance, but through struggle. Not an easy decision. This man had difficulties too. He had ghosts of his own. From difficult upbringing, relocations, divorces and struggles finding a pathway to peace. The saying we all hear is “time heals all wounds” At one point time did just that. Connection made with embedded fear and I’m positive doubts of meaningful outcome. With time, patience and perseverance of open dialogue no matter the subject with no judgement healing began and eventually reconciliation. A different man now, with a different family all foreign to this new man grown before him. He had way about him, a different path, a different story. But no less important. No less meaningful, no less dignified with a life of examples of experiences of what a “man” should do and wisdom of mistakes well endured.
Two fathers. Two very different men.
Different personalities. Different careers. Different families extended through stepchildren, new siblings, and complicated ties. Neither was perfect. Neither was the same.
But both loved him.
And that made all the difference.
Between them, they taught him what mattered.
They taught him how to think…, not just react. How to reason…, not just follow. How to seek knowledge…, not just accept what is seen right in front of you.
They taught him that life isn’t found on a screen…, or reports in print, television, or the loudest one speaking. They taught him to understand what is true comes from asking questions, diving deeper beyond surface level though listening, studying, researching and paying attention to the world and looking beyond the noise.
They taught him that mistakes are part of being human…, failures will happen, people are not always what they appear to be, but they’re not the end of the story.
And most of all, they showed him what it truly means to be a dad.
Because being a father is more than biology. It’s more than the environment of which you are present, It’s more than a title.
A real dad shows up.
He sits in the stands. He takes the call, the texts, returns the emails. He notices when something’s off. He cares enough to ask, to listen without understanding to offer comfort when needed and stay silent when the moment require nothing less.
A real dad dusts you off when you fall…, not by pretending it didn’t hurt, but by reminding you that you’re strong enough to get back up. You can and will do better.
A real dad doesn’t teach you to be a victim…, he teaches you to push forward.
He teaches respect…, for people who look different, believe differently, live differently. He shows that race, religion, and culture matter…, not as barriers, but as things to understand and honor.
And at the same time, he reminds you of something simpler:
We’re all human. We all bleed the same.
A real dad teaches Honor, Manners and Accountability.
He protects his family…, whether he’s standing right beside them or watching over them from a distance.
He respects women. He honors the mother of his children present or afar…, not just in words, but in how he lives, interacts with his children.
A dad goes without for himself quietly, so his family doesn’t have to. He carries the stress, the figurative baggage of life without a sound.
And when loss comes…, because it always does…, he stands steady. Sometimes he doesn’t say a word. Sometimes he doesn’t need to. His presence alone speaks when words are not required but presence is everything.
The man this morning took a sip of his coffee and smiled faintly. His dogs resting silent surrounding him. He is feeling content, blessed and proud.
Because despite everything he seen so far in the world… he knew there were still men out there doing it right. That give him hope. He knows now he’s not alone.
Men like him getting up early. Doing the grind the world throws in our path. Regardless of himself, or how “he feels”. Working hard, worrying about this situation or that, the fear of the result or lack of one, basically everything he encounters daily. He battles the constant inner thoughts “Am I doing enough, what more can I do” Trying to stay patient when it’s hard. Choosing responsibility over himself when many days it would be easier to walk away.
Men shaping the next generation…, not through perfection, but through consistency, experience both good and bad with sacrifice, perseverance and love.
And on that day…, Father’s Day June 21, 2026 he didn’t think about what was broken. He reflected on what had gone right. He says good morning to his wife. He speaks of his children and grandchildren. He smiles a little wider knowing he is blessed.
He thought about what was still wrong in the world. But reflected more on what is gone right.
He thought about his two dads.
And he gave thanks.
Not just for them…, but for every man out there who chooses, every single day, to be more than a father…
…but a dad.
God bless you all. Happy Father’s Day.
Chris