A Father’s Job Is Never Done
The Work, the Worry and the Wonder of It All
by
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"Good men I have found come in all shapes and sizes - a common reference to suggest that as men we are the sum total of all our different parts and when we are prone to compartmentalizing our experiences we are then often less than our expected whole. Fatherhood does; however, engender a very specific set of circumstances and when we listen carefully, take time to consider our responsibilities and actions and then engage in truthful discourse with other Dads, the insights while often singular in nature, take on a plurality that can yield real community - community that younger fathers and Dads are often lacking - community that mid-life fathers and Dads are often too busy to acknowledge and embrace - and community that more senior fathers and Dads often long for. I am clearly a member of the ladder and while I am still trying to make sense of my own experience, it occurs to me that there are three specific stages in a father's development: the work, the worry and the wonder of it all. Let me also state here that my use of capitalization when referring to "Dads" is a simple and clear reference that a man's ability to father a child and then either fail or succeed at becoming a present and engaged Dad are two very different things. Successful Dads should be celebrated, honored and recognized. How we achieve and integrate our efforts into building strong and intact families will determine much about our ability to build and sustain strong and tolerant communities - communities capable of embracing differences; communities grounded in equality and social justice; and communities that are able and willing to extend themselves and protect the natural resources we share for each succeeding generation.
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About the Book
A Father’s Job Is Never Done explores through the life experiences of men from around the world and defines what it means to be a dad. It shares lessons, hardships, and triumphs and provides a platform for men at all the various stages of fatherhood with the opportunity to examine their efforts and commitments and to then draw conclusions that will assist, support, and sustain them in their journeys as present and engaged men, husbands, and fathers in the lives of their children and families. Far too many men fail in their efforts to honor the promises that they once made. Their absence, their ensuing struggles, and their familial separation cause irreparable harm and leave wounds that often never heal. The examples here identify the milestones that dads should be mindful of and provide concrete portraits painted by men who have not always had it right. They are by men willing to share their experiences regardless of their blemishes. A Father’s Job Is Never Done is the tool so many dads have needed—a tool that can be readily used by fathers young and old alike. Yes, there’s real work when it comes to being a dad, and all the ensuing worry can be overwhelming. There is, though, great wonderment—wonderment that many men miss and never get to experience. This work is the compass that so many dads have needed, and it is also a resource for mothers, mothers who are fighting for their husbands, partners, and families and fighting the good fight for which they are uniquely prepared.
About the Author
For those both familiar and unfamiliar with Brad Zervas and his commitment to the restoration of families and communities that have been long-suffering, his new work will provide affirmation and a measure of hope that we can be better; that service is a duty; that the policies of separation and alienation diminish us; and that our capacity for love and understanding is limitless. Zervas is a noted educator, author, activist and community leader. He’s led numerous conferences and symposiums here in the United States and in countries as far away as South Africa, The United Kingdom, New Zeland and beyond. His stewardship in the not-for-profit sector has earned high praise. He is by all counts an effective and dynamic global resource and leader. His narrative has been crafted over decades while reaching a citizenry that is often ignored and punished for simply being the “other”. Zervas poses one enduring question, “why is it so hard for us to see the us in us?” Answer this one question and Zervas believes we can find and embrace our better selves and advance to a higher expression of our shared humanity.