I slept in pretty late.  I was exhausted.  I had been out driving for Uber till around 3am and barely made it home.  This was probably the closest I came to falling asleep at the wheel on my way home but that’s another story.  As I lay in bed, somewhere between slumber and being awake, I can hear my kids playing in the front room.  It’s Father’s Day and I’m thankful they let me sleep in.

They eventually made their way into the bedroom asking for me to get cereal for them for breakfast.  We usually have cereal Saturdays but we were busy and had to postpone.  They brought me a card they had put together.  My wife had helped them make it complete with the purple and gold of the Lakers.  They thanked me for loving them and for working hard to provide for them.

It was a wonderful reminder of why the late nights are worth it.  My wife also gave me a card and thanked me for being such a good father to our children.  Teaching them various life lessons and trying to be the best dad I can.  We didn’t get to see each other much today as she was working.  Putting in some extra hours and I’m so thankful that she is so dedicated to our family as well.

Early this afternoon I was able to see my dad unexpectedly.  He’s getting older but other than the slight peppering of gray hair you would really never know it.  I’ve never met a harder working man so committed to providing for his family.  He’s been an almost infallible example of what it looks like to be a father and husband.  As I watched him sitting there today sharing stories with some other men his senior I just sat back and thought to myself how lucky I am to have him.

My family is sleeping now and in honor of Father’s Day I’m watching The Godfather Part 2.  It’s probably my favorite of the trilogy.  I obviously would never want my family involved in a life of crime but that’s not what draws me to this film.  It’s the dedication to family.  It’s the loyalty that is expected and valued as the ultimate show of affection and love.  There are so many lessons that can be found.  Now due to the nature of the films I can’t share them with my kids just yet but the day is coming and as odd as it may seem I can’t wait.

I love the comparison between a young Vito in a new land doing his very best to provide for his family and Michael as he attempts to preserve the prosperity they have come to enjoy.  By American standards I’m marginally successful but by Vito’s standards I’m very rich.  I have a wonderful wife and the most beautiful children with all the potential and talent that any father could hope for.

I wonder about their future and what it will look like.  Right now I control almost every aspect of their lives to ensure their safety.  At some point I’ll have to release that grip and allow them to make their own decisions as Vito allowed Michael to explore life outside the family.  I wonder if Vito knew that Michael would make the best Don out of his three sons or if he hoped for something more; for something different.

I know there is so much in life that I still want to learn but I also want to share these lessons with my children.  I want to create a foundation for our relationship that gives them the ability to always put their trust in me.  I want them to know that their father will always be there for them.  I want them to be better than I will ever be.  It’s my hope that the lessons discussed during car rides to school or shared during quiet times late at night or early in the morning will be tucked away in their hearts ready to be used when they’ll be most effective.

One day I’ll be an old man with grey hair and a voice weakened by the strain of a long life.  I’ll share stories with other men as we sit outside on a Father’s Day enjoying the families that have been our greatest accomplishment.  At that time I hope my children can look at me and think to themselves that I was the best example they could have ever asked for.  I know that’s probably a lot of pressure to put on myself but they are so deserving of it.

As I write these lines Vito has just killed Don Fanucci making way for the rise of his crime family.  I have different oppressors who are no less deserving of death.  These are not people however but bad habits and obstacles that must be overcome.  So as the first disc ends I suppose it’s fitting that I end my night and prepare for tomorrow.  Another opportunity to better myself one decision at a time.

So to all the fathers out there, Centi’ Anni.  You hold the future of our world in your hands.  Cherish the time you have with your little ones and teach them values that will deliver them in the difficult times.  Each day is an opportunity to teach them a new lesson and remind them that you love them no matter what.  Family is the most important thing because as the great Don Corleone once said, “A man who doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man.”