“The heart of a father is the masterpiece of nature.” - Abbé Prévost, Manon Lescaut
Today is a day to celebrate fatherhood. I wanted to use the space in my column today to celebrate a few local fathers who are setting an example in our community.
On this special day I’m honoured to share five stories of fathers from five different generations.
Of course, my husband earns the first spot, and gets the father of the year award in my books.
The Twenty-Something Surprise Father:
Despite becoming a father at only 22, and not quite being ready for the role and responsibility, my husband has really stepped up to the plate and embraced fatherhood and loved his two children unconditionally.
My husband, Daniel Bell, father to our daughters Penelope and Georgia, has been a shining example of fatherhood. As a wife, I have watched my husband father our daughters, and felt a piece of my heart become whole again. Growing up without a father really damaged my heart and my spirit, but seeing my husband raise our daughters has been healing.
This year our children turned four and two, and my husband has continued to surprise me with his dedication to our family, constantly going above and beyond as a husband and father. We’ve celebrated him when he received a much-deserved promotion at his job, and watched as he worked tirelessly to provide for our family, while also ensuring that he would continue to keep us as his number one priority.
Perhaps my greatest memory from this year is when he surprised us (once again), with a fun weekend getaway to Muskoka.
Daniel’s Favourite Local Spot: Baker Street Station & City Hall Splash Pad
The Thirty-Something Stepdad:
“Damian came into my life when my son Talan was very young. My son was just learning to talk, and couldn't say Damian, but ended up calling him DB. My son is almost 5 now, and still calls him his DB. He adores his DB! When he was little he would often ask other kids where their DB was. He thought EVERYONE had a Mommy, a Daddy and a DB.” - Lena McDonald
Damian is husband to Lena, stepdad to Talan, and dad to Sloane. Damian is a devoted and hardworking husband and father, and has always put his family above everything else.
Lena said that her family felt complete with the arrival of Sloane, Damian and Lena’s daughter.
“Having a newborn isn't easy, yet he dove right in and has shown me a million more reasons why I am in love with him. He is sweet, nurturing, calm and confident. The kids love to be around him, and always get so excited when he gets home from work,” she said.
Damian’s Favourite Local Spot: York Road Kitchen (where Damian and Lena were married), and local breweries
The Forty-Something Stay-at-Home Father:
“Zeb thrives when he is with our son Lincoln. Zeb is so passionate about caring for Linc that he is on an extended leave from his job at Sleeman Breweries to care for Linc full-time.” - Christine Philbert
Zebadiah Philbert is Dad to 14-month-old Lincoln, and husband to Christine. He is currently a stay-at-home Dad to Linc. Christine said that Zeb was made to be a full-time Dad, and is very hands-on and caring to their son. He loves telling Christine about all the fun adventures he goes on with their son during the day.
“One of my favourite memories of Zeb as a Dad was our trip to Vermont in 2015. We went to the Ben & Jerry's factory, and Zeb insisted that he get a picture of him and Linc in the cut out sign. There was a huge line up of other tourists doing the same. But the best, and most embarrassing bit, was once Zeb and Linc got to the front of the line to take the quick picture. Zeb insisted on cleaning the face cut outs with a wipe. I howled as I watched Zeb,” laughed Christine.
Zeb’s Favourite Local Spot: Fried Chicken Fridays @ Earth To Table Bread Bar
The Fifty-Something Single Father:
“My dad was the one that taught me to do my hair; he took on the role of both mother and father when my mom left. He has always pushed us to reach our goals, and has been there for my brother, sister, and I when we needed him.” - Stacey Calvert
Mark Calvert is Dad to three adult children, including Stacey. He raised his three children on his own and was dedicated to them, stopping at nothing to provide for them.
Now that Mark’s children are grown, he is enjoying being a Grandfather. Stacey recently had her first child, and has loved watching her father as “Grandpa” to her son.
“He is truly an amazing person. He has always tried to make sure we have everything we need in life, and more. Even to this day, he is still the same way. My dad is a hard worker and even when life got hard he stood tall and walked through it,” said Stacey.
Mark’s Favourite Local Spot: Riverside Park, and country drives
The Sixty-Something Second Time Dad:
“Despite our age difference of three decades, Steve has so much energy and love to give to both me and our daughter.” - Elizabeth Kruth Sinclair
Steven Sinclair is Dad to Millie, age fourteen months, and three adult children from a previous marriage (Steve’s first wife sadly passed away).
“We know our situation is unique because of our age difference, and we really feel we need to live all of our life now - children, careers, our life together as a couple, travel - because we know we won't get to settle down and retire together when our child is grown up. Steve and I are able to both only work part-time, so that helps us be able to live our life together more fully than most couples are able to when their kids are young,” said Elizabeth.
Elizabeth said that Steve is a devoted and loving father to their daughter Millie, and always prioritizes his family above all else.
“For him, being a provider is not just bringing home the pay cheque, but also means providing love, stability and time to be together,” she said.
Steve’s Favourite Local Spot: The Farmers’ Market, and the Downtown Early Year’s Centre
Happy Father’s Day Daniel, Damian, Zeb, Mark, and Steve...and all the other Guelph Dads celebrating today!
Let us know about your father in the comments below!
