Kelle Beckman Mr. Christensen English 101: Composition 1 4 December 2012 NOT ALL GLITZ AND GLAM: CHILDREN NEED A POSITIVE MALE IN THEIR LIFE

Any male can be a father, but that does not mean they should be one or that they can be a dad.

Dads come in all forms: young, old, new, experienced. Either way they are never sure the first time of what to expect.

A new born baby is delicate. He needs some to care for him, provide for him, and keep him safe.

Logan grew up without his father being there for first six years of his life. His father was young when he was born and not ready for the responsibilities of being a father to his son.

Looking up to his uncle became an everyday event for Logan. Being ten when Logan was born Zach once said, “I know you’re my nephew, but I think of you as my brother”. Zach became one of the most influential men in Logan’s life and remains so to this day.

Tommy has since rejoined Logan’s life and become an influential part of Logan’s life, as well as Drew’s. Presently, the boys are living with their father, as their mother has recently abandoned them. Tom has gone from no involvement as a father to being the single provider for his boys.

To a young child a father symbolizes leadership and guidance. A good father inspires his children, even if it mean he must first conquer his own fears.

Thus says the Lord: Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place. Jeremiah 22:3

We have become orphans, fatherless ~Lamentations 5:3 Our fathers sinned, and are no more; and we bear their iniquities ~Lamentations 5:7

Children without fathers are 32 times more likely to run away from home. My grandpa did not grow up without his father in his life, but he did not get along with him at all. By age 10, my grandpa had left home and was living with his grandma and grandpa where he stayed until he joined the navy at age 17.

Without some kind of male model kids tend to feel significantly less important. Children who come from fatherless homes are five times more likely than those who come from father headed homes to commit suicide.

A good father does his best to provide for his children, to give them opportunities. He may not have the most glamorous job but he does his best to make the best.

Children who have fathers involved in their lives are more likely to get A’s in school and are 70% less likely to drop out.

Ten times the national average, 75% of all adolescent patients in chemical abuse centers—including that for drugs and alcohol— come from fatherless homes.

My father and grandfather used to go out and order coffee and pie. They would spend hours sitting in a booth just talking. My father has since passed on the tradition to me. Cherished memories of their time spent together mean so much to my father, and I am grateful to have this opportunity with mine now.

Fathers play a significant role in the lives of their children. Dads are there through the highest of high points, as well as the lowest of lows. Just being there can mean the world to a child.

Madi’s “dad”, my uncle, is not her biological father. But Madi does not know that. Dave has raised her, cared for her, and loved her as if she were his own daughter since before she was born.

Andy is 21 years old. He has never met his father, in fact he is not even sure who that may is. Today, he refers to his older siblings’ father as “Dad” but he does not feel a real tie to him, because he was not around much when he was growing up.

Currently Andy works at the same bowling alley he worked at during high school. He has never attended any form of college or further education, and has no drive to do so. He is content to stay where he is—he has no ambition.

Is this really how you would want your child to live? Or how you, yourself, would want to have grown up? Mothers cannot provide everything they would like to for their children alone. Sometimes they have to sacrifice one thing for another.

Think about the difference between being a dad, and just being a father. It takes nothing to father a child, but it takes the world to be a dad to that child you fathered.

WORKS CITED "The Fatherless Generation." The Fatherless Generation. N.p., 23 Apr Web. 29 Nov Teen Study Bible, New International Version. N.p.: Zondervan Corporation, Print.Study Bible Wilson, Trish. Myths and Facts about Fatherlessness "The Youth Adventure Ministry." The Kids Outdoor Zone. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Dec Zone