[twitter]Justin Connors was 22 yrs old when he found out he was going to be a dad. It wasn’t the way he wanted to find out. He was a student at a bible college, the kind that has policies about pre-marital sex amongst students. His fiancée was 18 and neither had a job.
“I wanted to throw up,” Justin writes in an extremely moving post about that day. When he got the call from his fiancée and was told “you’re going to be a daddy,” Justin didn’t cheer. He panicked. He suggested adoption. 9 years later, Justin is still embarrassed by that day and wishes he could take it all back.
Justin and his wife now have two children. Justin is a SAHD, his wife is back in school. To say their budget is tight would be putting it nicely. He wrote a post in January about dropping his daughter off at a birthday party and the struggle he faces to climb out of poverty and build a life for his kids.
I don’t have things, but I get to take my son to the library on Monday mornings.
I don’t have a cell phone, but I get to drive my daughter to school and pick her up every single day. I treasure those mornings in the car. There is an unbreakable relationship forming in that car. Every. Single. Morning.
Justin is a hilarious guy. He’s a talented graphic artist and photographer. He’s a gifted writer. He’s a great dad.
I’m telling you Justin’s story because I want to tell Justin he’s #doingood and I want you to find a parent friend of yours and tell them they’re #doingood too. The best Father’s Day gift a dad can get is to know he’s doin’ good. The knowledge that, despite all the failures, he’s succeeding is the best gift dad can get.
As with Mother’s Day, I’ve partnered with Minute Maid for Father’s Day to encourage you to tell your fellow parents they’re #doingood. This video from Minute Maid sums it up.
Share it with the friends and family in your life who could use a reminder that they, too, are doing a great job as a parent.
Post a shout out/short story about him in the comment section below to let them know he’s doing a better job as a parent than he might think. With the comment you’ll have a chance to win a Minute Maid prize pack, which includes a $250 Visa gift card to help him to continue #DoinGood work for his family.
Disclaimer: This prize will be provided by Minute Maid. Minute Maid is not a sponsor, administrator or connected in any other way with the contest – and all opinions are my own. Prize must be accepted as awarded. Contest open to residents of Canada and the US. Void where prohibited.
Please use a genuine social media account for entry, not a generic contest account. This branded content appears in exchange for a donation to Team Diabetes Canada.
My dad left his family ,friends and home to move to another country to provide me and my brother a better life . Still working hard for us ! #DoinGood
My friend Roy is #DoingGood – he ensures every weekend is free so he can spend time with his two boys
My friend David is doing an amazing job raising his two young children after being separated from his wife. Despite how busy he is with work (often working crazy hours), he always sets time aside for his kids and makes sure to attend each and every game of theirs.
My husband is #DoinGood because he works sometimes 7 days a week, takes the kids to the park and does arts & crafts with our youngest several times a week
My dad is #DoinGood! He is caring. loving and supportive of his family. He is hard working and continues to help others when ever they are in need.
My older brother who is currently a Dad of one but expecting a second is #Doingood. I think he is an amazing Father to his daughter and will be a great Father to this new baby as well. He is very hands on, loves spending time with his family and loves being a Dad.
My son in law is #Doingood as a new father to two boys (my grandsons). He shows my grandsons so much love and patience. He comes up with the most creative and fun activities for them and you can see how much they love their daddy!
My dad is #DoinGood because he has the solution to all problems and tells us that nothing is impossible. He has no social media accounts though.
My son is #DoinGood! He is a great dad and doing a great job in raising my grandson. Such an adorable and loving kid.
My husband is #DoinGood as a first time time – he loves his son so much and has trouble working (his own business) because he wants to spend so much time with him!
Love my dad for all his greatness, Dad is #DoinGood
My dad is always around for me. Dad is the best #DoinGood!
Dad is the most awesome person! #DoinGood always.
My brother works hard and as a single father to an energetic boy even when he comes home hot and tired, he cooks, cleans, plays, goes to ball games, etc. He worries that he isn’t #DoinGood, but he is! His son is courteous, honest, intelligent young man. (Can’t tag him – he doesn’t use FB or even get online very often)
My dad is #DoinGood because he always supports me!
My husband is #DoinGood – working hard, tolerating idiocy, and surviving brilliantly.
my stepdad is going to be a grandfather so he’s already preparing himself. #doingood
my lovely dad is been always a great father and grandfather to my kids he is alway there when we need him I’m very grateful to him for his support .
I can’t tag him, he doesn’t use Facebook.
My dad! #DoinGood by being a role model for everyone!
My brother-in-law is #DoinGood because he’s supporting his girlfriend so patiently and thoughtfully as the hours near (she’s almost ready to pop)!
My dad is #DoinGood raising my two stepbrothers, brother and I; working hard to make sure we never go without what we need. I am thankful for him every day.
My husband is #DoinGood because he teaches our kids how to live a Godly life by example. He is a very loving, kind and funny guy. we love him so much and thank GOD for him everyday.
My husband is #DoinGood because he works hard and spends his free time with our kids
My husband is an amazing dad and grandfather! He is gentle and caring, and always there for us, and knows when to make us laugh at the right time! #DoinGood
My friend’s dad is #DoinGood by taking the kids to the Indy event. Nothing like father son bonding over open wheel motoring.