Two years ago, I lost my dad and my step-dad on the same day, a few hours apart. Their deaths were completely unrelated, but both just happened to occur on the same day. I wrote about this day on JeffRandleman.com shortly after it happened.

I share this for a reason.

Just a few days ago, I was laying on the floor, playing with my youngest son, when he pulled up on the edge of the coffee table and stood on his own. My wife tells me that he’s done this a few times already, but it was the first time I witnessed it.

And it was important to me.

One of the things I want my kids to remember is that I was always there for my kids. I want them to know that I was there when they stood for the first time. I want them to know that I witnessed their first steps. I was there when they first rode a bike without training wheels. I gave my daughter her first dozen roses, before any boys could do this. I want to be there when they start to drive, when they go out on their first date, when they walk down the aisle to get married, when their kids are born.

I miss my dad. And I miss my step-dad.

My dad was there to teach me so many things that I take for granted. He taught me how to shave. He taught me how to change a tire and check the oil. He taught me to open the door for others, and to say “please” and “thank you.” He taught me that it’s ok to lay on the floor to play with my kids. He taught me how to shoot a basketball, and a gun. He taught me how to balance my checkbook and balance my priorities.

I never had to worry about taking the car out and being stranded with it broken down on the side of the road. I never had to worry about missing lunch or dinner. I never had to worry about a lot of the things that many kids had to deal with. My dad always took care of those things.

My dad was there. he was there for me, and he was there for my brothers.

My goal is to do the same thing for my kids.

My goal is to be there for them… No matter what.

And, if God chooses to take me before I can demonstrate those things, I hope I’ve communicated iit well to them in the meantime. Because all I’m sure of is the “now.” And so I’ll take advantage of the “now.”

I am there for my kids.

Make sure you’re there for yours.

Be deliberate, Dad!

Did you grow up with a dad who was always there or not? What was your experience like? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.