Lifelong Dads. Kids need 'em!

Lifelong Dads. Kids need 'em.

The impressive journey of J.D. Vance illustrates incredible persistence. A friend, Sid Miller, noted 8 key takeaways of the triumphs and struggles, let me point out the vacuum.

1. A good education

2. Family ties – good and bad

3. The weight of the past

4. The importance of good mentorship

5. Struggles of mental health/addiction

6. The importance of community

7. The American Dream

8. The need for empathy

A healthy dad is missing.

There are a few dysfunctional men scattered in Vance’s family forest. And the interruption of a mentor in the marines becomes a big shift.

Healthy dads bring life to the story of anyone. Every boy and girl need a healthy dad or father figure. Every man and woman need a healthy dad or father figure.

Sure, we can punch through adversity in our single mom driven society, but it isn't any healthier than an unbalanced diet of carb loaded eating. Balance builds.

Healthy dads bring the balance. They are H.E.R.O.E.S.

Hope-filled- consistent and committed

Engaged - aware and involved

Responsible - providing and protective

Open - approachable and listening

Encouraging - speaks well of family and others

Supportive - connected to mom and other men, in tune with kids wishes

J.D. Vance's book is an authentic journey in seeing the damage of an impoverished and fatherless society while giving hope as he and his family make changes into a life mission of a better life forward.

It is my joy to have watched others make a break into this better life. They write new life stories for themselves and their family. It's okay to have a good job and an enjoyable family. You don't have to become vice president. But get that better life forward.

Stay tuned. We are launching a strong fathering initiative in Canadian County, Oklahoma that I believe you will want to note and support. solumcommunity.net

Back in the saddle,

Phil, thethinkdirector