The company I work for asked if I would be willing to be on a panel of men to discuss International Men’s Day on November 19th. To be honest I never heard of International Men’s Day so I asked what it was. The following was the answer: International Men’s Day celebrates worldwide, the positive value men bring to their world, to their families and to their communities. It is an opportunity to highlight positive role models and to raise awareness of men’s well-being.
I was given the opportunity to talk about raising a family and commitment to my career. For me, it has to do with priorities. My first priority is my relationship with God and my savior Jesus and my second is my family (Wife, Kids, Family/Church) and then work. There have been times when work becomes the number 1 priority and I asked my wife Sandy to tell me when my priorities were moving in the wrong direction.
It is so easy to get caught up in the day to day tasks and forget to take care of yourself. International Men’s day is a reminder that mental and physical health is important. Maybe you start exercising or eating better or spending time with family or trying something new.
On a weekly basis, I meet with a group of men from church for breakfast (early on Saturday mornings). This allowed us to talk about life and encourage one another. Over time, we were able to go beyond the surface talk to deeper things in our lives. Some Saturdays, Sandy would kick me out of bed because she knew it was helping me.
I have three grown sons. My desire was to raise them to become the best men they could be. It would involve me being part of their lives (soccer coach, play parent and Uber dad, which lead to driving instructor). I learned along the way that more things are caught then taught. They were watching and I am so proud of the men they have become.
My youngest is Ben. He was diagnosed with autism at 2 which changed the dynamics of our family. At the time, I did not know what that diagnoses would mean for Ben. If you know Ben, he loves life and loves people. When my wife wrote a book about Ben’s life, “Swinging From the Chandelier: Finding Joy in the Journey Through Autism” I knew I had to write a chapter from a Dad’s perspective. I wanted to know if I could fix the autism, which I learned you can’t. Ben has taught me so much and allowed me to interact with folks I would have never known.
Growing up I remember being told men do not cry or share your feelings. When we can walk along side others that have experienced what we are going thru it is helpful to know we are not alone. Remind yourself of your priorities and seek help if necessary, medical doctor, professional mental health provider, pastor, family and friends. There are resources everywhere if we are not afraid to ask.
Regards,
Glenn
To learn more about Ben's story or or order your copy of “Swinging From the Chandelier: Finding Joy in the Journey Through Autism” please visit our website
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