Children International

By Damon Guinn

Let me start by saying I’m new at this. As of last week, I’ve been a dad for only two years. And even though my second child is in the works, plumping up like a nice little bun in the oven, I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not the voice of authority when it comes to fatherhood. I don’t have a collection of ties to prove my tenure as the World’s Best Dad. I don’t even have the coffee mug. What I do have, though, is some fresh perspective, along with eight years of working to support children in need.

During my brief time as a dad, and my history at Children International, I’ve come to understand one principle above all others: the importance of simply “being there.”
 

Before my daughter, Ellie, was born, I racked my brain trying to plan the perfect approach to Papadom. Would I need classes on advanced diaper changing? When should I start teaching her to read? How would I keep my cool when she had her first inexplicable, Chernobyl-sized meltdown in public?

Now I realize fatherhood is mainly about being available for my daughter whenever she needs me – to help instill in her confidence and a sense of security. And that seems to be the same role sponsors serve for the children they support.

Sponsor David Medeiros brought that point home to me during a recent interview. After losing his son in a drunk driving accident, and lapsing into an alcohol-induced depression, David discovered a new purpose in life. He became a sponsor and rekindled those fatherly instincts he thought had died with the premature loss of his son, Bobby.

Sponsorship gave David the break he needed to take the focus off himself and instead place it on a young, innocent child who desperately needed someone to look up to. It’s given him so much joy, in fact, he now sponsors six children.

“I love these children like my own,” David brags, “and I treat each one of them differently. Each letter is different. And it’s personal between each one of them. To do what I’m doing...I love this! It’s a gift!”

A gift indeed. To be given the opportunity to guide the growth and development of a young life who counts on you for support and encouragement is a unique privilege – especially on Father’s Day.

So...if you haven’t bought dad something special for his big day, check out David’s story, “It’s Never too Late,” and then consider giving your own dad a gift sponsorship.  It’s way better than a tie, and it’ll give him the chance to share his wisdom and experience with another boy or girl who could definitely use a positive male role model.