Without doubt, family structures have changed. What was once referred to as a “Nuclear” or “Traditional” family are no longer as prevalent as they once were. With that being said, as fathers and society we must be willing to accept that not only have the structures changed, but so must the roles. In many cases no longer is the male the only or primary breadwinner in the family. In fact in many homes, the wife is the primary breadwinner and the dad know is the new “Mr. Mom”. You all recall the 1983 hit movie starring Michael Keaton right? Playing the role of Jack, After being laid off, a husband and wife switch roles with her returning to the work force and he becoming a stay at home dad, a role to which he doesn't have a clue. Thankfully we have grown from this as a society just as Jack did throughout the movie, finally accepting his role as a father from house chores to kid duty, being present as a father was evident. I also understand that not all dads are in the same situations.
I thought a lot about this role as the recent flu epidemic has made its way through our home just like many others. I understand not all families may have the ability for either mom or dad to stay home from work to care for their children when sick, and I am in no way being judgmental. But dad’s, if you are able, I call on you to take an active role in these duties. With our daughter suffering from all the flu symptoms, she could not go to school. Somebody had to be with her, to care for her. Simply, it was my turn. Duties that I only witnessed my mother performing while growing up, I must now accept as part of fatherhood. We do remember our vows right, “in sickness and in health”. I acknowledge that I do not understand the procedures and protocols that are part of each of your occupations, and that unfortunately not all employers are as they once were, “family first”. I would just say from experience, that our children and wives are also very appreciative of our willingness to be there in times of need.
As our home began to return to full strength, I was reminded in the past week with the recent sequence of events that have played out with regards to Daniel Murphy, a second baseman for the New York Mets. Mr. Murphy, has been catching flak from a New York radio show hosts after he missed two games, including Opening Day, to be with his wife as she gave birth to their first child, a boy, Noah. Murphy's decision to miss the games drew criticism on New York's WFAN radio hosts Mike Francesca and Boomer Esiason. Francesca went as far as calling the paternity leave a "scam" and a "gimmick," according to the New York Daily News. Is our fatherhood really that far out of alignment? Myself, I have never been a fan of Francesca, and I understand his controversy is what has made him his living, but I am highly offended as a professional, and father that he would strike such a low blow to the obligations of dads everywhere. I guess what really gets under my skin, is that it is hard to believe that comments like this would come from a man, according to Wikipedia, is a married father to three children all under the age of 10, and was an abandoned child by his father himself. You would think that one that has risen above such hardships would be more compassionate about a man standing up to be a real father. 
As if he comments were not humiliating and insulting enough to all fathers, the equally ridiculous comments of Boomer Esiason still shows that we have a long way to go. Even more amazingly from a professional, who he himself has been celebrated for his role as a dad. Honored with a Sports Illustrated over photo and article released October 4, 1993 while playing quarterback for the NY Jets, Esiason seems to have forgotten that he was called off the field during mini-camp and rushed back to Cincinnati to be with his ailing son. In fact, people in the past week have asked that his award, being named the 2009 "Father of the Year” be revoked after his attack. Boomer Esiason apologized the next day -- some say it was sincere and heartfelt, (I don’t buy it) stating that he wasn’t referring to the average dad, but to “someone like me, you have a unique job, and you have the wherewithal to maybe afford care that some people may not, stuff like that, then you get back to work”. Boy thanks Boomer! Thanks for clarifying that only some dads need to parent their children or be an active presence in their family’s lives.
Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Murphy on the birth of your first child. Thank you Mr. Murphy and all other dads who take time to be with alongside their wives during this once in a lifetime event. It is said that there will be very few times that we can recall the exact date, time, and place that great events took place in our lives, and hopefully you were present and lucky enough to celebrate the birth of your children to this degree.
Thank you to all dads that may be playing the role of Jack.
Thank you for all the dads that take the necessary time to provide and care for their children during times of sickness and health.
I would say for the many of us, that long after we are done playing baseball, pushing paper, teaching children, driving truck or whatever our occupations may be, we'll have our family, and the memory of when our children were delivered into the world. Let us not be a society of fathers moving forward that aligns the tires on our automobiles more than what we align our responsibilities as fathers.
Monthly Quote:
“Never stop doing the little things for others. Sometimes those little things occupy the biggest part of their hearts.” - unknown
Monthly Challenge:
According to the results of a 2007 University of Cincinnati study by sociology professor David Maume, 78 percent of women reported that they are the ones taking time off from work to stay home with an ill child versus only 28 percent of men whom indicated that they are just as likely to do so. The next time one of your family members happens to be ill, be involved. Whether it is running to the store at 2:30 in the morning for tums, pepto, and 7-up or scrubbing the bathroom toilet and floor. Don’t leave it for somebody else.
