This Single Dad Pays It Forward Because He Had a Role Model: His Father by Rick St. Peter

I have always joked that the film “Kramer Vs. Kramer” was a documentary of my youth. But my father was an ideal father figure. Sometimes I think to the detriment of his own happiness, he subordinated his life to me. He left a great career in the Air Force because of me, he made sure I never missed a baseball or basketball practice or game. When a parent was needed to step up to volunteer and coach, my dad was always willing to fill that void.

When I started playing baseball in high school, I chose the #8 to honor my dad because Carl Yastrzemski was his favorite baseball player. I wore #8 when I played in college and my dad was fiercely proud of me and my college career. So, imagine how nervous I was when I called my dad in 1993 to tell him I quit the baseball team because I was cast in a play. I was becoming an actor! 

The phone was silent for a beat and then my dad said, "Well, I've always come to your games. Tell me when the play opens and I will be there." And he was – just as he always had been.

I love my kids unconditionally because my father loves me unconditionally. And I will forever be grateful for that. Happy Father's Day to all the dads, single or otherwise, out there!

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