It’s Time to Step Up Dads

Earlier this week, I learned that an acquaintance of mine (the husband of a lady I used to teach with) had dies of a massive heart-attack. Although I didn’t know him all that well, the news really hit me hard because I see myself in him. He was 40, I’m an only 38. He was a father of four children (his youngest was born back in September), while I only have three. He was a teacher, as am I. He was a little overweight, while I am more than a little overweight. Most of all, he loved his wife and kids, probably as much as I love mine. I know he never imagined anything like this would ever happen, or that he would leave his family so early. It happened though and if it can happen to him, it can happen to me, or to anyone of us.

Now I have been overweight and out-of-shape for years. I know that this isn’t healthy and that I should do something about it, but I never do. I always make excuses or make a half-hearted effort to lose my extra pounds, but I never follow through. I haven’t made the lifestyle changes I need to make because, honestly, I don’t think they are that important. It is only know that I realize how selfish I am being. If I was the only affected by my decision, that would be one thin, but I am a father and a husband and I am putting my family at risk. I don’t want my children to have to go through what his children are going through. I don’t want my wife to go through it either. I only way I can prevent this from happening is if I get off my lazy butt and start doing something about it.

Now don’t get me wrong. I realize bad things happen to people all the time and there is nothing they can do about it. I realize that it is easy to say I need to do something while this is fresh in my mind. I also realize that if I ever needed a wake up call, this is it. There are so many things I no control over, I owe it to my family to take care of those that I can control.

So, all you dads out there who are overweight or out-of-shape, it’s time to step up. It is time to do something about it. Whether it is dropping a couple of pounds or taking the kids on a walk everyday, you owe it to your family to get healthy. You owe it to your kids to be around for their high school gradation, their college graduation, their wedding, for their children, whatever it may be. Seriously dads, it’s time to step up to make sure you are their for your family when they need you.