A busy day for dad

Some days I have to step aside from everything else I do, work, business, running and doing things around the house, and do things for, and with my kids. Friday was one of those days.

I started the day by going to Pittsburgh and picking up Erin, my 19-year-old daughter, from college. She wanted to come home to attend a Halloween party with her boyfriend. It was a refreshing trip because we talked for almost an hour on the way home.

And she did most of the talking. It was unlike previous trips when she hardly opened her mouth. Granted, she slept the second half of the trip home, but I was pleased.

I got home and only had about an hour before I had to meet son Justin and my ex-wife at his high school for senior band photos. Justin is quite the social butterfly, knowing all his bandmates and many of the parents. He was joking with them the entire time we were waiting to get our pictures taken.

Later, during halftime of the football game, I stood at the 50 yard line with Justin and his mother as we were introduced. At that moment, I realized how grown up he is. He will attend college in less than a year.  The years have flown by.

After the game, I came home and played with my toddler daughter, Katie while watching the baseball playoffs. It's great to experience fatherhood again with a child so innocent. She doesn't ask for much, just my time.

If you think about it, that's all most kids want, your time and love. It was a rare day I had time to spend with all three kids, at different stages of their lives. It was a day I will remember for a long time.

Father's Day

What makes a great Father's Day? I guess it depends on the dad. Some dads might like to get a call from their kids, if they are on their own. Other dads might like lots of gifts to show the kids' appreciation for a job well done.

Me? I just wanted my three kids to be together and have some fun. So was it a great Father Day for me? You bet.

Erin, Justin and I played some basketball and I just happen to take those two teens to school, showing them dear old dad can still shoot the lights out of the roundball.

Katie and Mommy watched the play, and afterward, I filled Katie's baby pool and she went "swimming." And after Erin left for work, Justin and I played tennis. He's gotten too good.

And still later, Mommy, Katie, Grandma and Grandpa came down and the six of us went for a little walk.

Grilled hot dogs for dinner and a big, special "Father's Day cookie" to top it all off. By the way, I received a golf bag and electric razor as gifts.

But that's a minor point. Having all three kids with me on Father's Day was the best present of all. Thanks, kids. You are the best.

Being a dad is an awesome responsibility

I love being a dad. It comes with much responsibility, but if done right, the rewards are even greater.

As parents, we really have only a small window of time to help our kids grow to be good, productive adults. After that, we have to sit back and see if our lessons have taken hold.

The best way to lead your children into adulthood is to be involved in their lives each step of the way; from the time they come home as infants to the day they graduate from college. Teach them that life is full of twists and turns, that even in down times to stay positive, that with hard work, things will turn around.

Volunteer in the groups they are in, whether it be Scouts, sports, music, theater, or something else.

When my two older kids were in preschool, I volunteered to help out. When Erin played softball in grade school, I was one of the coaches. Likewise for Justin, I helped coach his baseball team in first grade, and later, when in fourth grade, I was the head coach. And I was the head coach of his soccer team from first through sixth grade. I didn't know anything about soccer, but I learned quickly.

How many times did I drive Erin the dance classes and Justin to piano lessons? I can't count that high.

And now with Katie, who is still a toddler, I will do the same. I will be there every step of the way. I describe myself as a hands-on dad. If you are going to be a good parent, that's the only way to be.

New generation wins

I have always been interested in sports. I guess I got that interest from my dad's dad. I was always watching sports on TV. My dad, on the other hand, was never interested in sports.

When my son, Justin, was born almost 17 years ago, I vowed to do what I could to get him into sports as much as I was as a kid. Guess what? He had no interest.

Sure, I coached his soccer and baseball teams while he was in grade school, but he was into the social aspect more than anything else. A small part of me was sad, but Justin had other interests, such as music. He is a great piano player and plays the trumpet in the high school band.

Several years ago, he started to watch tennis on TV. You have to know Justin. When he gets into something, he goes 100 percent. I heard more than I care to about all the world's top players. And he began to learn the sport by watching it on the tube.

And yet, he had never picked up a racket. Then last year, for his 16th birthday, I bought two cheap rackets and some tennis balls. He and I hit the court down the street.

Justin had never been a great athlete. The desire has never been there. I, on the other hand, loved and played them all. Baseball, football, basketball, and yes, even hockey. I tried tennis a few times, but never really enjoyed it. I was more into team sports.

So Justin and I hit the court, and as expected, I whipped him pretty badly. And yes, he got discouraged quickly, but I gave him some tips and told him not to give up. By fall, we were having some very competitive matches.

The last time we played in the fall, I had the match won, but let it slip away. He had beaten Dad. I was so happy for him. He had shown determination in wanting to get better. And improve he did.

We have played four times already this spring and I have yet to beat him. Now he is the one giving me tips. I knew eventually he would beat me. I didn't know it would be so soon.

And that's OK. It's a combination of him improving and me slowing down a tad. We have always been close, but playing tennis has brought us even closer.

The point is you can try to lead your kids in one direction, but never push. Let them find their own way. You never know where it will lead. It may lead to an activity that interests both of you.