Sometimes I struggle with the question of do I really matter or make a difference in the world…
While self-doubt is nothing new under the sun, here are some statistics that I didn’t know until recently:
• 90% of runaway children are from fatherless homes
• 71% of high school dropouts are from fatherless homes
• 85% of youth in prison are from fatherless homes
• 90% of inmates on death row are from fatherless homes
It seems like most societal ills, from crime to drug use to teen pregnancy, have a correlation with fatherlessness. So the next time I feel like I don’t matter, I’m encouraged to take a look around the dining room table. Sometimes just being there is everything.
-Kev
Definitely agree. Just showing up gets you further along the way to success than one would think.
Of course you matter. And I’ll bet the best evidence for it is right under you nose: your own kids. Look at how they’ve turned out thus far. I know changes in your life of late have strained your ability to be the full-time dad you want to be and have been, but I’m also sure you’re finding your way to still be the best you can for them. When I look at the photos of your kids on this site, I see my own, and they appear to be turning out just fine. I’m sure a good deal of the credit for that goes to you.
You do more than just be there. You give them a positive influence without even knowing it.