Brilliant dad feature week 22

July 24, 2015

My name is George Patterson from Syracuse, New York. I recently started my blog, Dads Going Home after I decided to leave my job and be a stay at home dad/freelance writer.

I am married to an eighth grade art teacher, Rebecca. I have two wonderful daughters and a third on the way. Taylor is thirteen years old, Lyla is two and a half, and the newest addition is due at the end of August. I love traveling and I want my children to enjoy similar experiences as I had growing up.

1. Have you always wanted to be dad?

Let’s put it this way. I can never remember a time that I didn’t want to be a father, but I can’t say as if it was always on my mind. As a teenager, I spent the majority of my time making music and touring with different bands. I had a few ill-fated relationships, but no one that I would have considered starting a family with. Everything changed when i was twenty-one and met my wife. She had a six year old daughter, and I figured out pretty quickly that I wanted to be a father. As soon as we were married, Taylor began calling me dad. Soon after, we decided to expand and the rest is history.

2. How did you feel when your children were born?

Being a step-father, my oldest daughter and I formed a relationship over time. I had to build trust as the new parental figure in her life, but now she is nothing short of kin. With Lyla, my first biological child, it was an instant connection. As soon as I saw her, I had a feeling I can’t describe in words. Without sounding too cheesy, it was like I was fulfilling my destiny. It was truly an amazing experience, and I cant wait to meet the new little lady in a few months.

3. What have been your most rewarding experiences as a dad so far?

At this point in their lives, the kids are reaching so many new milestones. Lyla is always learning new things and surprising her mother and I with her vocabulary. Taylor is always showing us new talents whether it’s poetry, drawing, math, or foreign languages. Every time they accomplish something, saying their first words, the first 100 on a hard test, jumping into the pool alone, it doesn’t matter what it is, I feel rewarded. Just being given the ability to watch them grow means everything to me. Children are amazing beings. If I tried to accomplish what one of my kids does in one day, it would take me weeks.

4. What have been some of the funniest moments to have happened to you as dad?

We are a pretty goofy family. Everyday I find myself laughing at some stupid thing we are doing. Just yesterday we were walking through a Target. Lyla was on my shoulders with a Frozen karaoke microphone singing “Let it go” at the top of her lungs. Okay, I may have been singing along as well, but by the looks we were getting, singing is not our thing. Nevertheless, it was a lot of fun.

5. Have there been any situations with your children that you found difficult to cope with?

In the last two years, I lost my mother to cancer and my father to a heart attack. Although it doesn’t directly relate to the kids, it was a tough situation to deal with as a family. Taylor was close with both of my parents, and so was my wife. Being emotionally drained and still giving the kids a fair shake was hard. Plus, my father lived out of state and I had to leave for two weeks to deal with the estate. With my wife being pregnant, it was a strain to leave her alone with the kids. Throughout everything though, I have learned that my family is strong. If we can make it through this, we can make it through anything

6. What are dreams and hopes for your children?

I hope my kids live the life they want to live. I want to show them the many wonderful opportunities there are, and let them choose a path. I want them to feel as though life is an adventure. There are so many amazing places in world and so many great people to meet. If they choose to stay in town when they grow up, great! If they want to live in Africa, more power to them. I just want them to know that there are many ways to live life, and many options to pursue. I have felt stuck before, and it is a demoralizing feeling. Most of all though, I want them to know, more than anything, that they are loved.

Thank you to George for parcipating in the brilliant dad feature.

2 Comments

Anonymous

July 24, 2015 at 4:05 pm

You're on your way Jake!!

georgejpatt

July 24, 2015 at 5:04 pm

Thanks for the opportunity! I had a great time participating. George Patterson @georgejpatt facebook.com/dadsgoinghome