Fr. Walker and my father Walker

Here is a picture of a young man becoming a priest. He was called Father Walker everyday from then on. Fatherhood is not just having a baby (although that's the fastest way to stumble upon it.) A father sacrifices for his children. A father protects them from harm. He puts the good of his children before his own preservation or comfort. And in this he finds his own sanctification.

As I sit bedside next to another "father Walker" at St. Vincent's (while dad fights a pretty bad infection) I see a tired man struggling to get better. Why does he want to get better? I saw the reason as clear as crystal when he opened my sister's father's day present. A picture of his little granddaughter as precious as a cherub. His daughter holding her tight for the family she represents. He wants to have life, full of grace and truth. The fatherly example to pass on. Sacrificial love, tough decisions, strength, loyalty.

Fatherly virtue is not given. Its earned by special men who are faced with the easy choice and the choice a father has to make. My dad would be the first to admit he has made a few unwise choices in the past. However, he knew he owed it to his kids, his God, and himself to earn the name "Father." If you are a struggling man who has kids, and you're not making the choices a father would make, don't wait to change! The devil wants you to wait till tomorrow. Of you didn't have a father or don't have one now, come over and I'll share mine!

Father Walker and my father Dave Walker are two great examples if alter-Christs. One was slain and the other will die, too (hopefully not any time soon but inevitably like you and me.) They both know(knew) God wants those who are called to fatherhood to be the best they can fathers they can be. The Almighty provides the graces, let us ask that all fathers are brave enough to accept them and act! 

St. Joseph, pray for us!