I love being Dado.
“Dado” is what my kids have called me since they were first able to talk. The name just stuck. I like it because it’s unique, still identifies me as Dad, and just sounds fun.
Being “Dado” is where I find happiness and purpose. It’s one of the core values of who I am, and (coming from a long line of Dados) who I was always meant to be. It certainly can be difficult at times, but fatherhood (along with motherhood) is the best vocation out there.
But what does being Dado mean?
Being Dado is a chance to be silly and youthful and see the world through the eyes of my kids. It means that I’m reminded of the simple joys in life often overlooked in our complicated adult world. It allows me to experience multiple levels of unconditional love: for my kids by me, and for me by them. It entrusts me with a serious responsibility to protect innocence yet raise little humans to have the best chance to be good, kind, happy, safe, and successful. Easily the most important level of “Adulting.”
Being Dado also provides me an opportunity to be reflective on the legacy of Dado. I’m a compilation of hundreds of years of Dados who are connected by lineage, love, and legacy. What life lessons, experiences, and examples did they give me, what can I add, and how can I pass all of them on?
That brings me to an important observation: Being a “Dado” is a role earned not inherited. One can be a Dado regardless of relation as long as that person accepts, appreciates, and fosters that responsibility. I have been fortunate in my life to have been loved and influenced by a few different “Dado’s” and equally as fortunate to be a “Dado” to some others in addition to my own children.
Who has been a “Dado” for you in your life? Thank them all this Father’s Day. Then pay it forward by being a “Dado” for others.
Keep being amazing!
