Father’s Day Speech 

Thank you to Father Kurt, and Father Greg for asking me to say a few words on Father’s Day weekend.  Our family is very fortunate to be a part of this parish.  It’s an honor to stand before you today. 

July 14^th, 1997 – The day I became a Father.  The anxiety while driving to the hospital.  Thinking to myself – what type of Father would I be?  Then Caroline is born – prior to her birth, we told the doctor and nurses, I wanted to cut the cord. And just as I was about to make the cut – the doctor grabbed my wrist and stopped me  - he said “Now listen, this child does not come with an instruction book, just remember, you can never give it enough love.” 

Well, that set the tone for the next four children that would follow.  Brian, Ellie, Janie and John.  There is not an instruction booklet on being a Father, only guidelines to follow that were handed down from my parents.  They said keep your children clean and out of trouble, provide for them, feed them and give them an opportunity for a college education.  And finally, teach them that you cannot get experience out of a book. 

That’s only a snapshot of the guidelines I follow from my parents. My Father was a railroad engineer – driving freight trains from Joliet to Elgin.  He was also a professional photographer and ran his own business.  He taught the five of his children to have a permanent job with a company to pay the bills and provide for your family, but also have a hobby that you can profit from.  He said “A company can always take a job from you, but you can work your hobby for a lifetime.” 

Today, all of my siblings and have careers and hobbies in which they earn additional income.  While being in production and sales since college, I have also been a television director for the last 21 years. 

What do we do to become a better Father?  Do we read articles everyday to improve our position as a Father?  Do we create spreadsheets on the pros and cons of discipline?  Do we ask questions to other Fathers or observe their behavior based on their success?  In essence, how do we become better Fathers? 

Here a few things that I have learned during previous Father’s Day speeches.

-          No matter how big you or how mature you may be, you should always find time to play Pretty Pretty Princess –

-          If you want to teach your children prayers, repetition is the key at bedtime.  A few Hail Mary’s and an Our Father usually do the trick.

Speaking of the Our Father – this prayer can appeal to all Fathers by leaving out a few key words.  Close your eyes and imagine your child saying this to you -

“Our Father, hallowed be thy name, they kingdom come, they will be done on Earth.  Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us and deliver us from Evil.” 

In summary, respect your Father, respect the home you live in.  Provide food/shelter and forgive us and others for mistakes and protect us from trouble.  Is this the underlying meaning of the OUR FATHER to Fathers of children? 

I look back and respect my Father and the home he built by hand.  Family dinners nightly at the kitchen table.  Discipline through scolding to keep us on the right track. (Being a railroad guy he would always say track rather than path). 

By working two jobs, he sent 5 children to Catholic Grade School, Catholic High School and to college.  We received one brand new pair of school shoes and one pair of tennis shoes each year.  He taught all of us to use a hammer, a lawn mower and how to balance a checkbook.  He showed us how to shingle a roof and replace a light switch.  His teachings helped me full fill the requirements to be a qualified husband for my beautiful wife of 15 years Maureen.

My Father passed away in 2002 and in recent years, I have asked questions to other Fathers about being a better Father/person and here is what I’ve learned.

-          For every lie that you tell there will be four more to follow and it’s a lot easier to remember the truth.

-          Live off your salary and invest your commission or bonus.

-          If you want to expand your horizons, you need to get out of your safety zone.

-          This from a Father Mann, If it costs $7.00 to see a movie, you’re always on time – then why do you show up late for Church when it’s free.

-          If your wife is happy – then your life is a lot easier (that why –

-          Finally, don’t take advice from someone who is more messed up than you are.

What are the qualities of a good Father?  What works for one family may not work for another.  We need to find our place in Fatherhood and we can never give our kids enough love.  We spend 18 months working on a project at work, but we only have 18 summer months between the ages of 6-12 to enjoy with our children.  Do we spend more time investing in money or in time with our kids?

This will be my first Father’s Day as an orphan – my Mother passed away in March and I reflect back to Father’s Day as a child.  Mowing the lawn for Dad, cleaning the garage, wrapping a gift and getting him a Heineken.  I’ll never get those days back, but I will enjoy the time with my children (before my once a year nap)

Peace and harmony is what we would like to accomplish on Fathers Day.  From our family to yours – we wish you the best on this day to honor Fathers.  Thank YOU.