Inspiration of Influencers: Dad Makes a Difference

When Goodness Meets Purpose Part II

25th International Conference Red Tie Red Dress Gala

#Fatherhood, #Dad, #WeCanMakeItHappen, #Health, #Psychology, #SocialWork, #EarlyChildhood, #HeadStart, #Challenge #Empowerment  #Educators, #FamilyLife #Legacy #SonsandDads #GirlDad

A Series About Those Living In Their Ikigai
Dr. James C. Rodriguez, MSW
19 December  2023

I witnessed exceptional parenting skills in action when I watched a TikTok video of Chase Harris, who went above and beyond to coach, mentor, encourage, and model behaviour for his son. During my travels in July, I unexpectedly found myself staying with Alex and Kenyatta Rodriguez, who took me on a family day trip to Galveston Beach. Watching Alex encourage and role model behaviour for his daughter was truly inspiring. These experiences reminded me of the importance of striving for excellence in everything we do, especially when showing love and support to our children. Antonio Orona recently shared with me, "Of course she is amazing, she is my daughter," when I shared how kind his daughter was concerned about my well-being. I have learned so many lessons of life as a dad. One important element a dad provides as an intergenerational legacy is understanding that we are the mirror for our children. We all have different responsibilities in life, but being a dad is the greatest reward ever. 

The reward of teaching, coaching, and modelling, then when encouragement turns into inspiration to succeed, the dad is happier for the success of their children's accomplishments for making it happen. I know watching my children excel in the classroom, sports field, college, military, and friendships, and overcoming life's adversities is a joy indescribable. Our organization has honoured dads (not just fathers) who are just amazing, and many of them model the love they give to their children to friends and classmates of their children as part of their village. We cannot make it happen to just highlight dads with you! Together, we can make it happen in 2024 to pour into the lives of men loyal to their children. The men who have been "called" and answered the call to be more than a father, but an amazing dad. I asked Mr. Nicholas Bravo to share his thoughts on the Righteous and Upright Men Dad of the Year Award presented to dads from the Fathers and Families Coalition of America since 2004 and in the name of Mr. Stanley Seiderman since 2005. When you watch this video, listen to the intentionality of the call to action, pause and consider your dad, partner, husband, brother, uncle, role model, and take on the challenge to nominate him today!

 Call to Action: Nominate a Dad Public Service Announcement

When you watch Nicholas, what I want to share, I had a season of mentoring, modelling, coaching, challenging, and encouraging him just like a dad would for his son. As fathers, we have the opportunity to remind our children of their destinies and instil in them the belief that they are destined for greatness. We must speak into their lives and reinforce this message, no matter how many falls they may experience. Let us remember the words of Mufasa in The Lion King, "You have forgotten who you are, and so you have forgotten me." We must challenge ourselves to be like Mufasa, reminding our children of their true potential and never giving up on them. The amazing Mrs Ethel also reminds us that righteousness and uprightness are achieved by getting up every time we fall. Let us inspire and empower the next generation to be their best selves and reach for their dreams, no matter what challenges they may face.

A Righteous and Up Right Man
Submitted by Ethel Seiderman, January 2015. 

Dearest James xo
Here are my comments for my beloved Stan's award at the Fathers and Families of America's Annual Conference.

Stan was born on 12/4/1931 and died on 1/30/05. He had just reached 72 years of age and was too young to go. He had an abundant love for his family - wife Ethel (married 52 years) it can be done - if willing to learn "the lessons," rather than flee, his children Seth and wife Jenny, Abby and husband Bill, and grandsons - Nick, Will, Ethan, and Noah. Stan stood tall for his beliefs and honored those of others. He knew that children needed men and women - fathers, grandparents, relatives, and kind and loyal friends. His focus over a long life was to engage men in their children's lives best for children. He paid tribute to his ancestors and their challenges in being immigrants in America. His roots were the firm foundation he held dear and pointed his path into the future. He shared his own "demons" so, with others, they could all look at their own. Life was dear to him, and he fought valiantly to meet the challenges of 4 stage Lymphoma for nine years. Was he perfect? No !! Who among us is!! He believed you must continue to do better than yourself and not be better than anyone else.

NOMINATE A DAD TODAY

https://fathersandfamiliescoalition.org/conferences/conference-agenda/annual-awards-nominations-and-agenda.html