Jason Kelce shows us what an involved father can do for his children | Top Vip News

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At 6’3” and 295 pounds, former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce often towers over other people. His big bushy beard makes him look like a modern-day Paul Bunyan.

When he announced his retirement, his tears began to flow. Throughout his 40-minute speech, he hid his face behind the hands of a giant as he thanked his coaches and band teacher for teaching him what he needed to learn to become a great soccer player and even a human being. better.

As he told himself “Come on” in an attempt to control his emotions, he spoke about the impact of his father, Ed Kelce.

Many people now know that Jason Kelce is an all-pro center who had an illustrious 13-year career. He has won a Super Bowl. He also played in a Super Bowl against his brother, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. (And just to impress my daughter, Jason met Taylor Swift.)

All of those accolades started with involved parents. And while I give so much credit to her mother, Donna Kelce, my joy is seeing a truly involved father as a role model for other parents.

The story of Jason’s father’s influence is a quiet one. It does not contain the drama of an absent father leaving to get a gallon of milk. The story lacks the moral indignation of a father who refuses to pay child support for his children. There is no jester who looks like he can’t complete the simplest tasks.

Jason’s story is about a normal father who loves his children. He continued his work at the steel mill while encouraging his sons to do the best they could. And when they didn’t get the best, his dad was there with a hug.

We all know that adolescence can be chaotic. Our self-esteem is wrapped up in our appearance and, for many men, how strong we are or how tough the world perceives us to be.

Through tears, Jason shared how his father helped him in those moments of doubt or when his confidence diminished. “I am a product of my upbringing,” he said. “A present, loving and devoted father may be the greatest gift a child can ask for in our society.”

He attributes his success to his father’s “unwavering belief.” Jason and his father have shown the importance of a father in our children’s lives and that the decisions we make have far-reaching consequences that none of us can imagine.

My dad had a similar influence on my life. I grew up on a small farm in southern Arkansas. We had pigs, pumpkins and chickens that he was convinced were out to get me. He also spent most of his time outside of school with my father.

The lessons my father taught me were more than good and bad. He taught me to be confident because he, in his opinion, he could do anything. When I thought he wasn’t tough enough, he said he was “pretty tough” with that southern accent in his voice.

When my father told us he had multiple sclerosis, he told us not to worry. I was 8 years old. Eventually, the disease progressed to the point where he had to be confined to a wheelchair.

“Ah, everything will be fine,” he said whenever he showed concern or concern.

That optimism abandoned me when I was a teenager. But now, as a father, I understand it the same way Jason understands the support of a father. Everything will be fine because my father believed in me.

I’ve seen the investigation That says children with involved fathers do better in school, have higher self-esteem, and, like Jason Kelce, show empathy. Kids with involved fathers are also more likely to “walk the walk,” as my Southern dad would say, a euphemism for avoiding drugs, alcohol, and visits from the police department.

While I know those things, seeing real-life fathers like Jason Kelce and even more so, Ed, is very important to me.

My dad was the original stay-at-home dad when I was a kid. I did chores with him on the farm until we moved. From there, he and my mom earned their college degrees and went to work. However, after a few years she could no longer drive due to his illness. It was at that time, when I was a teenager, when I needed my father the most and he was there.

Thanks to my father’s support and trust, I went to university. When I graduated, I worked for Adult Protective Services in Texas. My job was to protect the elderly and disabled, people like my father. And after eight years and two children, I became a father and housewife. Eventually, I wrote a book about my experiences.

The most revealing part of Jason’s retirement speech is when he talks about being drafted and how his father cried because his son had achieved his dreams. It is not that the father’s dreams were achieved by living through his son, but rather the dreams of his daughter.

That part right there tells you everything you need to know about Ed Kelce. These are the stories that we must present as examples and not as exceptions because they are not. They are the stories of ordinary parents who encourage their children to be unusual.

Shannon Carpenter is a writer, author of the book “Best stay at home dad”And married, father of three children.