I am a fortunate man.
I had the privilege of being raised by two blue-collar dads. When I graduated from school, the youngest of three boys, my dad went up to my step-dad, shook his hand and said: “We did it.” This relationship meant the world to me. I always knew my family was different, that we were not the norm. My mom was a boss mom, a true matriarch. She brought my step-dad into my life who always communicated with my father to make sure my siblings did not play our parents against each other, which we tried to do on a few occasions. Despite all their differences, the unconditional love my siblings and I felt was foundational and unwavering. Was it perfect? Nah, that doesn’t even exist. Yet, I knew that while my family was not traditional, I had two dads and a loving family that shaped me into a disciplined, hard working and caring citizen of my community: what a true gift.
Elise and I are raising our own children in a traditional nuclear family. Yet, my upbringing taught me that there is no right way to raise a child. Whatever Elise and I decide is the right way for our family. That has shaped the brand we created: parenting as a partnership because parenting is hard. Regardless of our choices, children do not care about optics, tradition, materialism, or social currency…they just want our love and attention. We get to set the rules, we establish the boundaries, and we create the joy of our own traditions.
When we say “for the real ones” that is truly what it is all about. I know from my own background that being a dad is not about genetics. It is about the relationships we form and sacrifices we make for our children. My dad will always be my dad and my step-dad will too. The impact they have had on my life is etched into my soul as I pass my parents' legacy on to the next generation. Now, my children have the privilege of having an extra set of grandparents to love and spoil them: the gift replicates.
On this Father’s Day, we at DAGS hope you find your joy. Whether it is a pool day, a grill out, an uninterrupted yard day, a day at the golf course or ball park, or simply spending some time with your family; there’s no judgement here. Regardless of what you do, we know you will wake up Monday back at it being the GOAT dad for those children that shape your world. Enjoy it, dad!
Keep it real out there,