Fatherhood

To whom it may concern, 

Dads are the punching bag. We are where the burden lies. In my opinion, this is how it is supposed to be. Jaci tells me over and over again I am more complex than most but truthfully I feel I am as simple as they come. I just feel my simple is rare, unique, or one of a kind. 

A father that walks with God looking for the Devil. Ying to Yangs. I am well aware of my sins, of the man I am. I am well aware of the expectations I exude. The rarity of greatness is not easy. However, these days, neither is being kind, genuine, hard working, etc. The backbone to success is a rarity in itself. 

A foundation, more than anything, has to be placed on growth. This is what I teach my kids. Be you! At the end of the day, always be you! My 3 kids are as different as they come but the one thing they have in common is their last name and that means family! Family always supersedes anything else. 

Many days I get to sit back and watch the success of my kids. Fatherhood can be very easy. But, then the script gets flipped and you have to teach your kids how to make hard decision. When is it right to stand up for yourself? Yes. When is the right time to punch someone in the jaw. How do I tell my daughter when it is the right time to defend herself without also putting herself in harms way? Just as important as swinging first, is also walking away. This is my job, to teach my kids to make the hard decision but to also make the harder decision that effect their family more than it would themselves. 

Fatherhood is my greatest honor. I am grateful my wife chose me to build a family with. I am grateful every day my kids look to me to kill the snake, to protect this house, to provide for them, to make the "hard" decision, and to teach them the greatest thing in this world, how to compete. 

To the dad needing guidance, it is not always easy but stay the course. There is nothing more important than being a father. 

-Coach Nicholson