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Letters from Dad

Parker dads share their love and insight into fatherhood.

Being a grandfather has given me a second and somewhat more indirect opportunity at being a parent. It is like being a dad all over again, with the benefit of being one step removed from the direct responsibility for parenting. I can provide fatherly wisdom and advise but can defer the most difficult questions and decisions to their parents. It is especially rewarding to watch my children raising their own kids. They certainly use what they have learned from their upbringing while, at the same time, sprinkling in their own unique skills and ideas on parenting. I especially relish watching them gain a sense of empathy and better awareness of what we went through raising them as they are faced with some of the exact same parenting challenges presented to us when they were children.

As for my grandchildren, they are the light of my life. They frequently make me smile, chuckle and, at times, laugh from the bottom of my belly. My grandchildren keep me young. They make me act like a child, doing and saying silly things. They challenge me to stay active and to do things I probably shouldn’t do at my age. My grandchildren amaze me, humble me and make me proud. They make me worry and grieve when they struggle and celebrate when they succeed. I learn from my grandchildren and they learn from me. They make me realize and reinforce what is most important in life. My grandchildren and my children are my life. I know I will never paint a masterpiece or write the great American novel, but I am confident that I will leave a more significant legacy. A legacy of family history, traditions and values that will live on for generations.

Greg Hinman

Grandfather of seven, ages 7 – 23

Being a Dad is an adventure, every day will bring you something new. When they are little, their milestones bring you so much joy. In a way you get to live your childhood through them, watching them enjoy what you used to as a kid yourself, the best part is buying the toys!

Tough things about fatherhood are when kids are sick and you can’t help–poopy diapers (the worst) and knowing when Dad’s advice is welcome and when it isn’t. Mom will always level the playing field. 

When they get older it’s an amazing reward to see your values flourish in them and being able to speak one to one on the same level. My advice for my kids is to search for your true passion and pursue it, don’t settle. I spotted this somewhere, “If you don’t follow your passion, someone else will hire you to follow theirs” and I can’t think of a truer statement. You have all you need to succeed in your own self. Failure takes character but having the strength to accept failure, make something of it and be able to move on from it takes a stronger character. 

Greg Radovcich

Father of four, ages 12-23

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