#davesdailychallenge (143): A Year of Fatherhood. My son is one year old. I could write a novel on the experiences and takeaways from these last 365 days but instead of that, and based on the whole purpose of this writing series, I want to speak directly to the men who read this. 

Gentlemen, fatherhood is worth it. 

I have a lot of male friends of varying ages that express a great deal of hesitance in becoming a parent. The conversation generally revolves around fear of losing independence, concerns over their own ability to parent, or the change that will occur. Well guys you’re right on every count…you will lose independence, you will make mistakes, and your life will change. What no one can ever really communicate to you is that being a father will make you a better man. No one could ever truly communicate the feeling you’ll have when your baby falls asleep in your arms as you sing to them in the middle of the night. I can’t successfully get you to understand how close you’ll grow to your significant other as you watch their journey as a parent. You’ll see the change in their eyes and their mannerisms, which mirror your own. Your child will awake things in you that you didn’t even know existed. The laugh of your baby will become something you’d do anything to hear.

So, after one year of being a father, and many more to come, I can honestly say that it’s the best thing I’ve ever done. While I would never tell anyone to bring a child in to this world, or adopt, until you’re ready but I also know that you will never be ready. You will never be comfortable. You will never know everything or be fully prepared. If you learn the vital lesson that comfort is a destination that is never truly reached you’ll be better off for it. To be a father is one of the most, if not the most, important things you might do with your life Gents. This world will be a better place because you were a good father.