Fatherhood is a great gift from God. Those who have received this gift know that, in addition to joy, it comes with great responsibility. This vocation to which many men are called is born of love. Though men don't carry the child inside for nine months, without a doubt, a man's heart finds its full expression during fatherhood.
Becoming a father transforms a man’s life. We spoke to three dads to ask them what they’ve learned through this marvelous and challenging experience.
1Fatherhood is a daily adventure
For Memo Arévalo, fatherhood has been a total adventure. He says that when a child is born, we know he or she will bring moments of joy and sadness, “but what they don’t bring with them is a user manual for managing the emotions that come with the new being that has just been born.”
In his 11 years as a father, he has discovered key points with each of his four children: Samuel, Gorety, Mario, and Sofia.
Now, I believe that fatherhood is a journey of daily learning: Every day I stumble, I make mistakes, and I experience something that my wife and I call "moral hangover." I experience it after a bad moment as a dad in front of my children. But then come the wise words of my faithful companion: "Ask for forgiveness and move on."
2Fatherhood gives meaning to a man's existence
Ángel Villa, a first-time father, recounts how he embraced fatherhood the moment he saw his son for the first time:
When I saw my baby for the first time, as soon as they brought him into the light, it was so overwhelming that I felt as if something melted inside me and I was numb with emotion, since I had previously felt very nervous and overwhelmed by the future. I didn't know if I was going to be a good father and if I was going to be careful enough.
As the days passed, Angel discovered with love that his life and time would now be shared with this new human being who had come into his and his wife's lives.
These little everyday things, which seem so obvious, often have such an impact that they change your outlook on life. “It gives your life a ‘refresh,’” says Angel.
3Unconditional love
A father's love grows every day. For Sergio Cisneros, being a father has completely changed his life and has motivated him to be better every day and to continue learning.
Being a father has shaped me deeply: It has broken me, shattered me, and transformed me, making me a better person. It has even allowed me to understand more vividly much of what I studied in theology.
Knowing that I am a father and loving my son has helped me to better understand the expression ‘Father's Love’ and the true meaning of loving unconditionally. Without a doubt, the most important part of my life is being a father.
Being a father isn’t just a role, but a daily commitment that requires presence, dedication, and responsibility. Although fathers often have to work outside the home to support their families, the role they play with their children is fundamental.
