Imagine being a father, husband, son, brother, and employee, yet feeling like you've never truly been yourself. You faithfully fulfill each role, expecting nothing in return, but over time, bitterness begins to seep in, leaving you puzzled. You start feeling unappreciated, yet hesitate to speak up, fearing reprisal and societal expectations. The pressure builds, and you search for ways to release it, but you fear being a burden or misunderstood. Eventually, hopelessness sets in.
As an active-duty Military service-member and father of 5, this was my story. I tirelessly served my family, my country, but never myself. With the responsibility of the sole-provider, failure was not an option. Any type of vulnerability sow’s cracks in the leadership armor on the military side. I was burnt out from fulfilling these roles until I found Noble Fathers.
What I love about this community is that these are men who have walked diverse paths in life, and yet find themselves united at the most fulfilling coordinate in life: fatherhood. Listening to the Sage dads speak reminds me that past struggles were not insurmountable, while grieving fathers teach me the importance of cherishing every moment with our children.