Tag Archives: Value

Daddy Diary – My Son Just Wrote to Say He Loves Me – A Note of Sunshine on a Cloudy Day in the Life of Dad

June 9, 2026 By in Daddy Diary Tags: , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Fresh off a debilitating bout of vertigo, I wanted to share a heartwarming note I received from my thoughtful son. Unexpectedly left for me on the breakfast nook table, it was a pleasant surprise given my current stretch run of fatherhood. I am running on empty – emotionally and mentally. I am knee deep in the trenches of missed school assignments, junky bedrooms, lippy protests, and overall confounding behavior. To be sure, fatherhood is not for the faint of heart. Undoubtedly, it is a laborious undertaking of love, obligation, and sacrifice. At times, a gentleman can feel overwhelmed, frustrated, unappreciated, and lost – floating aimlessly adrift in a sea of chaos. Your voice feels muted and you seemingly appear invisible to everyone around you.

And so, just when a gentleman is drowning in thankless responsibility, a token of love and appreciation provides clarity and perspective to his role as father. To my brethren in the parenting struggle, even if this letter was not penned for you, this letter should speak to you. This note brightened an otherwise gloomy period for me. It acknowledged my value and reinforced my resolve to stay engaged as a father. Children really do pay attention, even when you do not believe they are looking. This continuous journey is a long one. For sure, it is a journey of peaks and valleys. I am becoming wise enough to appreciate both. I think I will frame this note and keep it nearby as a personal, gentle reminder that I am loved and valued – even when I have commanded that a room be cleaned for the thousandth time!

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The Standard #58

April 17, 2026 By in Standard Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

To be absolutely clear, a hardworking gentleman understands the meaning and value of his tireless labor. And to be absolutely sure, the reality of fatherhood only heightens said understanding. Trust, this gentleman maintains a deep, fundamental comprehension of provision and the significance of being a contributor. And so, when seasons of life are absent peace or joy – perhaps both; it is not uncommon for him to lean heavily into his work; a passionate attempt to seek refuge and fulfillment by claiming, reasserting his own value to himself. Work is transformed into an instrument that exerts authority over one’s mental and emotional well-being.

It is a blunt tool utilized to manage anxiety, stress, insecurity, and pain. He accepts the incredible burden of arduous work to unburden himself of heavier burdens – both emotional and mental. However, whatever accomplishments that are attained, the satisfaction is never truly satisfying. Frantic attempts for relief only lead deeper into work. The wise gentleman must conclude that work does not inherently grant him value. Rather, it is he that affords value to his work, to his friends, to his family, and to himself. So, if no one tells you today (and demonstrate through their actions); I am here to convey on behalf of countless gentlemen such as yourself; you are recognized, appreciated, respected, and loved.

The Standard #58

August 24, 2021 By in Life, Standard Tags: , , , , , , , , , , 2 Comments

Clouds

To be absolutely clear, a hardworking gentleman understands the meaning and value of his tireless labor. And to be absolutely sure, the reality of fatherhood only heightens said understanding. Trust, this gentleman maintains a deep, fundamental comprehension of provision and the significance of being a contributor. And so, when seasons of life are absent peace or joy – perhaps both; it is not uncommon for him to lean heavily into his work; a passionate attempt to seek refuge and fulfillment by claiming, reasserting his own value to himself. Work is transformed into an instrument that exerts authority over one’s mental and emotional well-being. It is a blunt tool utilized to manage anxiety, stress, insecurity, and pain. He accepts the incredible burden of arduous work to unburden himself of heavier burdens – both emotional and mental. However, whatever accomplishments that are attained, the satisfaction is never truly satisfying. Frantic attempts for relief only lead deeper into work. The wise gentleman must conclude that work does not inherently grant him value. Rather, it is he that affords value to his work, to his friends, to his family, and to himself. So, if no one tells you today (and demonstrate through their actions); I am here to convey on behalf of countless gentlemen such as yourself; you are recognized, appreciated, respected, and loved.