Who's your daddy!?

Sometimes you realise that your path is right there in front of you. Your whole life previously has led you to this point - there's a choice. And there's always a choice. It may poke you right in the heart, or it may simply be a nudge and twinge. There's a feeling that you already know the answer to, though you are uncomfortable at the idea of becoming the anti-stereotype outcast that your mind insists is real. You think of how traverse; to reverse all of your teen aspirations and shortcomings without losing your manhood. "It's not possible", you figure. But it's worth it, for sure.

It's time. You - yes you, Dad, need to be there. You are the one to take the modern family into the next millenium. And you won't be able to do it with spears, guns, muscles or braggadocio.

History has provided many men with evidence that their future depends on being strong and short-fused so that they may fend off attack, or hunt wild animals and provide food for their family. Characteristics which involve action and decisiveness; boldness. Attributes which may not translate so well while trying to be a nurturing parent. I know many people who grew up with fathers who went to work every day day and came home to a clean, orderly household and expected his children to be 'seen, not heard'. But then aggressiveness does not decrease an ability to love and protect. Apathy and ego can maim a man's soul, and has. It's time to celebrate the subtle!

As a man and father who has experienced success by being quiet, empathetic, stoic, and the prime caregiver, I say: Be the one to nurture. Be the one to cry and fret. Don't fear to love, for it may be the only thing that keeps your child, your mother, your ex or your wife, from ever knowing that they had a man in their life who kept them safe. 

There are no saber-tooths or mammoths left. 

But it's still a choice.