‘Hello, son’: Men enrolled in Seattle parenting classes share letters to their children

Editor’s note: Below are excerpts from commitment letters written by fathers enrolled in a 13-week parenting classes through Divine Alternatives for Dads Services (DADS). The men sent the letters to their children as part of a class requirement.

Letter 1

TO MY SONS,

“When God wants to make a man powerful He shears them him into pieces first. This I know to be true because it has brought me to you. One day, I will be gone and you will have to continue down your path. But for you to continue down the right path I must look ahead. Look inside myself and clear the way. I must stay strong, fearless, strong and true. For one day you will need to do the same for your sons or daughters. I am forever committed to you. I will strive to make you proud … I will work everyday to earn your trust, confidence and respect. … A father’s work is never done. I will not quit when things get tough or when the fire gets too hot. I will be there for you always.”

Letter 2

“I know I haven’t been the best dad the last two and a half years. I spent too much time at work and I’d sleep too much during the day. Only to wake up grumpy and irritated and then go back to work all night again. It wasn’t fair to you two or you mom … I knew it was wrong and hated myself for fighting with her. I wanted to change but didn’t know how. It wasn’t fair to anyone at all especially you two … My commitment to you is to change. I will and I am becoming someone better every day. I will continue to build a better life for you two. I will continue to change to prove that I’m worthy of being your father. My love for you will never falter and will never waver.”

Letter 3

Hello son,

First I would just like to tell you how excited I am to have you come into my life. You are turning the big two tomorrow, and although I marvel at the rate you have been growing since you were born, I look forward to celebrating each & every birthday with you as I know one day I will be looking up at you in awe of what a courageous, polite, respectful and honest, empathetic and ambitious young man I have raised … As long as I’m alive I want you to know that you will always have a place to eat, sleep and get your mind right. I have made plenty of mistakes in my life and throughout your life you will do the same. That’s just life! No matter what the case is, I will be here for you as long as you allow me to.

I promise to do all I can to keep you out of harm’s way plus teach you how to stand up for yourself. Most important I am going to always make time and effort to have FUN ALONG OUR LIFE’S JOURNEY TOGETHER doing the things you like while introducing you to new experiences. I am totally committed to loving you unconditionally. Forever!