Day 60: Fatherhood

I love my father.  A military man, who has since retired.  Words that would describe him: dedicated, loyal, hard-working, diligent, reliable, fair, fun-loving.  Growing up I remember feeling safe, secure, and without any doubt that my dad was going to be there.  My view of him was authoritative, yet fun.  Never mess with dad when it comes to road trips.  But watch your back when you're walking through the mall, or you might find yourself sprawled out on the ground as he "accidentally" trips you.

And getting the chance to see John transition into the role of father has been so sweet.  He will definitely be a different father to Isla than my father was to me, but a fantastic father all the same.  The love that exudes from him is unlike what I have experienced before.  It is paternalistic, caring, protective, and delighted in her responses to him.  So sweet and special.

My experiences of fatherhood, though, is different than what others may know.  Events may intervene in unexpected ways, severing the bond that seems so vital to growth, stability, and success in life.   But irreparable doesn't need to be the adjective that forever describes that relationship.  It can be mended.  Restored.  Redeemed.

D.A.D.S (Divine Alternatives for Dads Services) "give fathers hope by walking together in supportive community, helping navigate relational and legal barriers which separate them from their children and families."  Their goals: to model healthy relations as a means of creating healthier fathers and families, to stop the cycle of family violence and brokenness in order to improve the lives of children, and to encourage fathers to become agents of change in their communities.   They seek "to provide a range of holistic services to their clients, including housing assistance, child support management, parenting plan assistance, reunification, support groups, case management and help with crisis issues such as finding housing and affordable drug and alcohol treatment.  One subset of fathers who seek assistance from D.A.D.S. includes men exiting the criminal justice system. Frequently homeless, jobless and separated from families and support networks, these men leaving the criminal justice system and at risk of entering homelessness face a myriad of challenges and barriers...Through the reunification program, D.A.D.S. partners with consultants and other experts within the legal limits of the law, to help locate and reunite formerly incarcerated men with their children and families."

And just recently, a group of these men, ranging in age, income level, and lot in life, traveled together to Mexico.  Working together for 5 days, they built two homes for two families.  But from the stories I have heard, and the video I have watched, more was built than just two physical homes.   Relationships were strengthened.  Confidence instilled, as well as love and respect for their fellow man.