Brilliant dad feature week 76

August 25, 2016

This week our brilliant dad feature is Christian Lee. He was born when his father was finishing Seminary in Atlanta. Having a preacher for a father wasn’t always easy, and trying to follow in his footsteps proved quite tricky. Leaving bible college unsure of his path, Christian spent years in the ‘real world’ making sure everyone around him had access to what they needed, namely the internet. He broke down the doors of corporate America at age 19 with EDS, moving up quickly with firms like IBM, even the U.S. Army. Spending most of the time in the web design field, it was a gateway into how people thought, where they liked to spend their time, and what they thought was funny.

A consummate stage performer since the age of 3, Christian spent many days singing on stage in school, church, and college. After being a stage manager for a non-profit playhouse, he realized it was in his blood! why fight it?

He had what could only be called a revelation. What he felt needed to be heard from the stage, especially at churches, wasn’t being said. He started writing down all the jokes and stories that had been building inside. Then, he went in search of a mic stand and a crowd. After years of toil, comes the fruit of your labor. He is fulfilling his dream and he is not looking back!”

Raised by a preacher, Bible college, corporate life, starting his own design firm, a marriage at 19 years old that has actually lasted; all this brings a unique perspective and a well of inspiration for finding humor in everyday life. Topics stretching from cartoons to salvation, there’s definitely something that will touch some part of your life and your funny bone.

Christian spent years performing across the country. His last trip was a stint in CA where he taped a show at the world famous Ice House Comedy Club. You may have seen him on Comedy Time or MAV TV. Christian was also invited to perform at The Great American Comedy Festival, Port City’s Top Comic, and The Plymouth Rock Comedy Festival.

After a whirlwind coast to coast tour, Christian and his wife decided to adopt two children. One year – and one thyroid surgery later – they were surprised with the birth of an unexpected, yet not unwanted son. In 2015, they met yet another surprise, as their fourth (and prayerfully last) child defeated birth control with her sheer will to exist. To devote as much time as he could to his new family, Christian only performs a few shows a month and puts most of his comedic effort into the podcast, ‘What Are We Watching?‘ which he hosts with his oldest son, and ‘Dad Sews‘, where he is learning (and FAILING) to sew LIVE on camera. He has four children aged nine,seven,two and five months old,his family includes adoption and biracial children.

PlaidDadBlog.com is Christian’s effort to co-produce a site that focuses on colourful families and colourful stories.

Thank you to Christian for taking part.

1. Have you always wanted to be a dad?

I was happy not being a dad. It didn’t really matter to me that we had gone 15 years unable to have kids. I was happy to adopt, not to fill some hole in my life, but because I thought it was rotten to let kids sit in the foster system, everyday dreaming of having a family of their own. Cut to five years later and I have four kids two biological . I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

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

Well, I met my first two children in a burger king. It was truly love at first sight. I believe that experience was every bit as powerful as when my first biological son was born. It was different, but meant just as much. By the time the fourth arrived, I was just relieved it was over. It Is over right?

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

I don’t know that I have one stand-out moment. I think it’s just plugging along, doing the work. It’s not all fun and games. Everytime I think I have one of those Epic Dad Moments, I’m quickly deflated when the kids have an equally massive screw-up, usually a discipline issue, lying, dangerous behavior! you name it, it’s happened. It keeps things even.

4. What are some of funniest moments to have happened to you as a dad?

There’s been many times when we get strange looks from other parents or or children. we don’t look like the typical family. Early on, a kid got right up in my daughter’s face and asked “Why are you black and your Mom’s white”. She pushed her nose right into his and replied, “She’s not white, SHE’S PINK!” It’s little moments like those that you remember and still laugh about years later.

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

There have been moments of racist behavior from parents, teachers, kids. we try to handle them with grace and humor. Sometimes, we just tell the kids they’re welcome to say “Piss off”, and leave it at that. My adopted daughter was only born with one kidney… which doesn’t function fully. We’ve had surgeries, and many doctor’s visits because of it. She’s on daily medications, so that’s a bit of a struggle. Honestly though, the biggest issues are what every parent deals with: “stop pulling your sister’s hair”, “be nice”, “say I’m sorry”, “don’t put that in your mouth!” It’s the general day-to-day that sometimes wears you out.

6. What are your dreams and hopes for your children?

That they spread a little love in the world. That they show we’re not that different, despite skin color or creed. I hope they grow up kinder than me. Stronger. Healthier. I hope they remember I love them when I’m gone and realize I tried my best and then do the same for their kids.