The Joys of Fatherhood

Regarded as one of the most rewarding experiences of a man's life, fatherhood is as crucial a responsibility to dads as it is life-changing to the children on the receiving end. In celebration of Father’s Day, we interviewed two men in our community about their experience of raising kids. 

 

 

Eric Wertz @bluecollarprep is father to Nate, who is turning 6 this summer.

 

What’s your favorite part about being a dad?

I love it all! I just love spending as much time as I can with him and doing all the activities we enjoy together. We have a lot of the same interests, so it's fun to go snorkeling, go skiing, and watching & playing sports together. It's incredible how sweet he can be and he always knows the right thing to say to make you smile. I just can't get enough of him!

 

 

What surprised you the most about fatherhood?

I would have to say how much it changes you. Before he came along I remember thinking, oh my wife and I will still get our chance do to things alone as husband and wife. Now, even when we can, I don't ever want to be away from him! I honestly can't imagine going a single night without seeing him. I'm definitely a lot more emotional when it comes to family and children now too. I can't even watch the news or read a sad story about a kid without tearing up. It just always comes back to what if that were my kid. Being a dad totally changes you for the better. It's almost crazy how much you can love someone. I'm obsessed!

 

 

What are you looking forward to as Nate gets older?

I lost my father when I was 15 so I'm looking forward to just seeing him grow older and spending the time with him that I didn't get to spend with my dad. I'm looking forward to seeing him grow up and all of the things he's improving on as he gets older....like reading, what he's learning in school, how amazing he is at sports, and how awesome he is at skiing! Nathan is obsessed with skiing, so I'm really looking forward to eventually being able to go out west with the family on a ski trip! Honestly, just any new adventure or place that we travel to, I always want Nathan to be there with us to experience it together!

 

 

 

Christian Cannon @seacannon is dad to Elouise (3) and Sullivan (1), with one more son on the way.

 

What's your favorite memory with your kids from this past year?

I think my favorite memory would have to be watching Elouise become a big sister and sully just being in awe of her.

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How has being a father shaped you as a person?

It’s really just opened my eyes to the value and appreciation for life itself. Not just bringing life to this world but watching how my kids respond to things for the first time: the joy and wonder. It just makes you appreciate things in a way you never did prior.

 

What are you looking forward to as your kids get older?

Watching them play sports, taking them surfing, and going on bigger rollercoasters. 

 

 

 

 

Tim Landis @curious2119 has three children–Makenzie (16), Madden (13), and Amara (11). 

What’s your favorite part about being a dad?

There’s so much! It’s really hard to narrow it down. However, I think one thing that I love about being a dad is being able to watch my kids growing up. I love watching them maturing and being able to experience their personalities shaping and growing. I love seeing the creativity they each have in all they do. Being a part of that process is one of my favorite things. The whole concept of fatherhood is incredibly awesome.



What are you looking forward to as your kids get older?

I’m looking forward to seeing how they “spread their wings” someday to really become who they’re made to be. As they grow into their next seasons of life, it will be amazing to watch them live their lives and to see how they incorporate the things that I’ve been able to share and teach them.



How has being a father shaped you as a person?

One thing that stands out immediately is how being a father humbles me on a daily basis. From day one, you realize that you have an incredible responsibility of raising another human being. While you want to stay true to who you are, you realize that you will have to make a lot of sacrifices and selfishness can’t be in the equation. Being a father has humbled me in a way that reminds me that my children are a gift. I’m the one who has been chosen to be their dad—with my personality and skill set—to raise them to become who they are meant to be. Dang. Writing that is such a reminder of the deep and awesome responsibility we as fathers have!



Anything you’ve learned from your kids lately?

That I’m getting older! Ha! In all seriousness—I’m realizing lately that my kids are growing up so fast and the time we have with them at home is getting less and less. I’m learning to appreciate every day and striving to be fully in any and every moment that I can. People always tell you when your kids are little to appreciate their younger years because time goes by so fast and before you know it—they’re all grown up. It’s true!! 

 


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