by Mark Clark

Throughout my life, I have been known as many things. First, I was known as Jack and Charlotte’s son. Then I was known as Marlisa and Scooter’s brother. After that, I was known as Dolly’s husband. And even later, I was known as Marla and Mara’s Daddy. Of all those things I have been known as, being the last one in the list has been the most fulfilling—Daddy. One day not too long from now, I will probably cease being called that affectionate title. I do not look forward to the day. Those of you who have held the same title know what I mean.

Wordnet defines daddy as being “n: an informal term for a father; probably derived from baby talk.” The American Heritage Dictionary says daddy means “a father.” Being a Daddy means so much more. You learn this by becoming one. It is the experience of a lifetime. I watched both my daughters being born. I changed their diapers. I cradled them in my arms. I’ve watched them grow from babies into young women. I have enjoyed each moment in between. I learned what it meant to be a Daddy.

Being a Daddy has meant spending over $200 to spend two hours in Mickey’s Play Land at Disney World, a place very similar to the ball pit at any fast-food outlet. It has meant riding a roller coaster seven times in a row on a rainy day without a break. It has meant learning patience.

Being a Daddy has meant being conned into buying a guinea pig and new larger cage when a hamster escaped his smaller cage and could not be found after two weeks, only to be found in the middle of my kitchen floor when I came home with the new pet and cage. It has meant wiping away tears from my youngest daughter’s eyes after her older sister told her the Siberian hamster that died (and looked exactly like the one that was still alive) was her Siberian hamster. It has meant learning how to comfort.

Being a Daddy has meant watching my daughters get ready for their first high school proms and paying dearly for the experience without complaint, knowing I was sharing the biggest night of their lives. It has meant telling them they could choose the time they had to be home after those proms and then being able to watch them return safely and much earlier than I ever came in after a prom. It has meant learning to trust.

Being a Daddy has meant helping out with school projects, attending school events and supporting educational career choices. It has meant seeing them do well enough in their endeavors to earn scholarships so I would not have to foot the entire bill for their college educations. It has meant learning how to show pride.

Unfortunately, one day not too soon, being a Daddy will mean watching my daughters grow way from me. It will mean watching them start their own families and, hopefully, raise their own children better than their Daddy raised his daughters. It will mean learning to let go.

Yes, being a Daddy has been fulfilling. It has been a rare learning experience. It has made me understand love. And, the best part of being a Daddy? It’s knowing I am loved even when they do not want to tell me in front of their friends.

Mark Clark is a writer and father with over 30 years experience in journalism and 20 years experience in fatherhood.