I vividly remember when my wife and I found out we were pregnant with our first son. I was terrified. I was just a senior in undergrad. All I knew I was doing after graduation was going to graduate school for my MFA. I had no job, no insurance, no way of supporting my family.
And to make things even more troubling, I was filled with so much self-doubt. How was I going to be a father? Did I really know enough to raise a child? Would I be a good dad?
Fast-forward to present day. This is my third Father’s Day and I’m watching my son play
in the dirt outside an apartment. I’ve finished my MFA and have a steady job with full benefits. And now my wife and I are expecting our second child and I have the confidence that was missing three years ago.
I’ve realized that I am a good father because of the men who have been in my life to advise and mentor me. And this Father’s Day, I want to thank all the men who made me into the man I am today. My own father, who raised me the best he could, teaching me the difference between right and wrong. And then there’s my grandfather, who taught me how to change the oil on my car, fix a flat tire, and what it meant to be a strong, Christian man.
Finally, I want to say a special thank you to my own stepfather. He’s been a great mentor for both me and my family. Although he’s only been in our lives for a few years, he’s accepted us as his own kids and looks out for us like his own. I’m very blessed to have a two dads. So thank you not only to my own stepfather but to all the men who come into young people’s lives as stepfathers. They play a special role in our lives and we are very grateful.
I do my best to be a good father for my family. I’ve had many great examples of how to do that and with those people to call on for advice and guidance, I’m excited to bring our next son into this world and continue to strive to be the best dad I can be.
Kristopher L. Campa 