When did you become a father, and how many children (or step-children or
grandchildren, etc.) do you have?
I became a father at 24, and eventually a father of 3. Veronica in '79 (Vern or Rocky), who is the mother of Kai (Kai-bo) and Nico (Niconeese) our grandboy, now 15 and 9. Joshua in '80 (Whoahh or Skelotor), Lucie in '83 (Goose), mother of Harper (Snarpee) 10, twins Marlee (Marls Snarls) and Stella (Stelly-belly), now 8.
Did you always know you wanted to be a dad?
Yes, I knew I really wanted to be a dad at some point. I'm not sure I took in the enormity of the father role at time, being the age and maturity level I was at.
What’s your favorite part about being a father?
There are so many. Watching them grow at each stage and learning to navigate life and the all wonders and excitement it brought to them. Living rural in the Wisconsin woods near two of the largest lakes with the Wisconsin river in between, we wore out three boats while helping the kids learn to appreciate the water and hone their skills as water sports enthusiasts. Lake days are, for me, favorite memories.
Fatherhood can teach you life lessons that you never knew you needed to learn; be ready for the roller coaster, and enjoy the ride! Then come the grandkids, keeping us young (and/or tired) and the ride continues.
What would you most like to teach your kids? How would you like them to remember you/think of you decades from now?
I tried to teach my kids to work hard in life — nothing is guaranteed or "free" — and to also try to respect people without judgment. I'm truly proud of the amazing adults they have become.
What has surprised you most about it? Any mistakes you made that you’d be willing to share?
Looking back, I realize how immature I was at the time to have three kids in fast succession, and I wasn't as present as I sure could/should have been. I also wish I had learned early on to have been a better communicator along the way.
In your own words, how would you define “fatherhood”?
Fatherhood is a such a privilege and the most rewarding and sometimes difficult experience you can have in life. It can teach you life lessons that you never knew you needed to learn; be ready for the roller coaster, and enjoy the ride! Then come the grandkids, keeping us young (and/or tired) and the ride continues.
