My son is a gift from God. In 2004, I was told by doctor’s that I wouldn’t be able to have a child. This devastated me. It hurt me deeply because I am a man who wanted to be a father. However, I kept the faith and believed God would deliver. In late 2004, He delivered and in 2005 my son was born.

All of my life I promised myself that whenever I brought a child into this world I would be there for them. I would care for them and they would know me as their father. A child should have a relationship with both his/her parents. A boy should have a strong relationship with his father. In July of 2005 God answered my prayer and delivered unto me a son.

This story is all to familiar but I met a man who has two children. His father wasn’t there for him or his siblings growing up. He begged his ex-wife for children and they had two, a boy and a girl.

A few years later they divorced and he left her with two kids. He found himself at that same crossroad that I did. However, he chose differently. He hasn’t been there for his kids and they are hurting for a relationship with him.

Seeing these kids suffer for a relationship with their father made me realize even more how important it is to be in your child’s life. I didn’t have a relationship with my father growing up so I know how they feel.

Men, choosing to reverse the trend will give your child more in life than you could ever give them. The money won’t last. The gifts fade away. Cars breakdown. Clothes and shoes go out of style. But, a relationship between a father and his children will last forever. Teaching them things that will last all their lives is invaluable.

My grandfather was a great example of teaching. I see myself today doing things that my grandfather did. He was very influential in my life and the things he taught me I still carry with me today.

I had my child late in life but I committed everyday to being apart of his life. Sure it was easier when I was married and living with his mother but even after we were separated I stayed about of his life. Now that I have custody of him, I am that single father and will be that committed father each and every day. If you’re reading this, have children and you are not there for them…change. Your children need you and you need them.