Fathers

"We do live in turbulent times. Often the future is unknown; therefore, it behooves us to prepare for uncertainties. Statistics reveal that at some time, for a variety of reasons, you may find yourself in the role of financial provider. I urge you to pursue your education and learn marketable skills so that, should such a situation arise, you are prepared to provide." (President Thomas S. Monson) The role of a father is so crucial in developing and providing for a family. I have often pondered over the subject and I have thought to myself, what do I have to do in order to be ready for such a task? Education and the development of personal skills and talents will bless the lives of so many people such as your loved ones. This is not an easy task. I actually consider it one of the most difficult tasks that any man will face in this life. In one of the paragraphs from The Family: A Proclamation to the World it states, “ By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families.” God has taught us through His divine servants the prophets and apostles that fathers have three vital responsibilities in their role in the family. Fathers are to provide, preside, and protect. Now let’s turn our focus to provide. Obviously this means financially. But are all fathers and husbands good for is money? Of course not! This is very important yes, but fathers are much more than that. But we cannot deny that this is essential in order to have a stable home. I come from two very hard-working parents. They have always done their best to try to give me all that I have ever wanted and much more. I am so blessed to have had a father that has put my needs ahead of his. He is a great example and role model for me in my life personally to be honest. I do not think I can ever repay him for all that he has done for me. Something that really surprises me even more is the fact that my father really struggled growing up as a kid. When he was fourteen he lost his father and was forced to live with his grandparents because my grandmother was not able to provide and take care of all of my aunts and uncles. At eighteen he came to the United States and had to adapt to the different lifestyle that there is here in comparison with the Mexican lifestyle. He eventually married my mother and I was born soon after. My father had previously married another woman before marrying my mom and he had three children with her. Overall he has had to provide for a number of children including myself. He did not go to college. He was not blessed with the same opportunities as me or my siblings. And he still was able to start his own business, work, and pay provide for all of us. It has not been easy, especially considering he had to learn how to do everything himself. I have never met a man like my dad. I am so lucky to have him in my life. Not because of all the things that he has bought me, but for teaching me that your children come first and you must be willing to do anything in order to protect and provide for them. Fathers are more than what society sees them as, they are superheroes that change the lives of many children today.