Comments on: A Father’s Legacy

By: Matthew

Matthew — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 18:08:00 +0000

I’m trying to remember where I read of the comparison between “typical” American fathers v. Russian fathers. The core of the article focused on American fathers spending “quality” time w/ their kids and Russian fathers spending quantity time w/ their kids. I’d submit that time might be (one of) the most valuable resources a father can give to his child(ren). Time w/o the TV, Blackberry, internet, newspaper, etc. At a minimum that investment sends a message of very high value to your kids.
I’m in agreement w/ you, Mark; it is the father (figure) in a child’s life that best serves to affirm them in their identity and value and release them into adulthood, equipping them to sieze and walk in their birthright.
Not to raise a quarrel with a previous poster….yet settling for only parenting defensively against hindrances could be compared to solely praying for protection without overtly and intentionally blessing. The next generation might be best served through very intentionally building a platform for success under them in addition to protecting them. I’d gently suggest that the impact of economics here is the contrast between the father who chases after money to the exclusion of familial relationships and the father who invests IN his family, including the priceless commodity of time. Gary Smalley put it well; “Life is about relationships – everything else is details”.

By: Inhisgrace1979

Inhisgrace1979 — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 16:48:00 +0000

Not to pour water on a good general theses, one has to wonder how much of the ecconomic opportunities that Mr. Edwards was able to provide for his children and their children or the impoverished condition that the children of Max Jukes grew up in. To simply say that your children will rise to greatness because you spend time with them is a bit simplistic. Fathers and mothers provide a first line of defence against the things that would hinder our children from achieving their best, but to put the burden of the legacy of a child 100% on their father is just wrong and unfair.

By: Mark Merrill

Mark Merrill — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 07:28:11 +0000

David, thanks for your kind words! I'd certainly be grateful if you would share this blog with your friends. I hope to reach many more!

By: Mark Merrill

Mark Merrill — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 07:26:35 +0000

Thanks so much, Tony! Please share the new blog with your friends!

By: David Spletzer

David Spletzer — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 03:44:13 +0000

as a father of a little girl in a cold world, i hope that all i do for her leads her well in life. Thank you for the work you do Mark, I use all of it every day to do better as a father.

By: Mark Merrill

Mark Merrill — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 22:16:30 +0000

Alfredo, I've always appreciated that Edmund Burke quote. Thanks for joining the conversation!

By: Alfredo Fernandez

Alfredo Fernandez — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 18:20:53 +0000

“ALL THAT IS NEEDED FOR EVIL TO TRIUMPH IS… FOR GOOD MEN TO DO NOTHING!”
EDMUND BURKE

By: TONYTOLAR

TONYTOLAR — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 17:18:51 +0000

GREAT JOB MARK