Happy Father's Day!

I am sending the newsletter a day early in honor of iFather’s Day. We hope all fathers have a great day—it is a time for cards, great food, and honoring dads everywhere.

But for some, this day brings a different reflection-especially for those whose fathers are no longer with us. That’s where I find myself. I lost my dad in 2015, and I still miss him deeply. His presence, his lessons, his steady example—they helped shape the person that I am. I think of him today and honor his memory knowing he loved this day by getting family together, eating awesome food, and being thankful for what we have. His wisdom and his example stick with my family and I to this day

I also have another reflection that I know there are a number of others who view the day the same unique way: although I’m married, I don’t have children of my own-not through choice but through circumstances. So Father’s Day and all of the shoutouts and praise of fathers always hits a little different-not in a negative way-but more a reflection of what possibly could have been and what being a father actually means.

But over the years, I’ve come to this realization: you don’t have to be a biological dad to have a father’s impact.

Being a father is about more than biology. It’s about influence, it’s about the guidance males give, the character we model, and the love we can offer—consistently and without needing a title or recognition to do so.

Whether you are a coach, mentor, teacher, encourager, or simply show up in someone’s life—you’re doing the work of a father. Some examples:

• When a coach stays after practice to talk life with a struggling teen—he’s being a dad in that moment.

• When an uncle, neighbor, or family friend gives wisdom, structure, or support—they’re are doing their part to shape lives in very powerful ways.

• When a man leads with love, strength, humility, and faith—he’s giving others something to follow.

As the author and educator Gordon MacDonald once said: “You don’t have to be a father to have a father’s heart.”

I think of my own dad today and can speak for my family-we miss him greatly and it will be 10 years in October that we lost him. We think today of all of the many great things he did and the awesome person he was. But I also think of the many men who’ve stepped into “dad-like” roles for others: coaches, teachers, mentors, friends, and many others.

I hope we all remember this: being a father isn’t just something you are—it’s something you offer. I hope all men think about this today as we specifically honor fathers but also remember the influence that men have in today’s world and the opportunity they have to affect others in a positive way. May we all rise to that challenge! Have a great week!

Coach K