Fatherhood as pattern disruption

There's something I take pride in: being a pattern disruptor. Breaking the cycle. Pioneering fatherhood in this new way of being present and involved. From a societal view, that's new for men in general—it's redefining masculinity.

It's a bag of mixed feelings, though. I'm the one setting the example of a good father, with nobody above me to look up to. So part of what I'm building, I'm building on my own.

You came home from daycare with two handprints and "hands down the best dad ever." With all of that on my mind, it made me emotional—proof that the new way is working, and that what you'll inherit is a pattern I chose, not one that was handed to me.