How Fathers Make A Difference
Jay shares thoughts on the importance of fathers in our families, in our lives and in our future.
The difference a father can make in a child’s life is enormous. And, in so many ways. This Sunday, we celebrate Father’s Day. Dads all across the country will be honored, appreciated and thanked for all the wonderful love and support they provide for their kids – at whatever age. And, while fathers are highlighted on this special occasion, the truth is that the important work of a father, like that of a caring mother, requires a 24/7 effort 365 days of the year. You can never predict those moments when a dad’s advice, encouragement or intervention can make all the difference.
As a father myself, I’ve often asked myself about ‘how I can be the best dad I can be?’ I’ve found Father's Day to be a special moment where we as father’s are given a little extra attention, but also is an important day to recognize and appreciate the bonds between family. I was discussing Father's Day plans with a friend this past week when he shared his own story of how he came to really appreciate his own father and the sacrifices he made to give both he and his siblings the tools to lead a successful life.
A World War II veteran, his dad got a job after the war that put him on the road regularly. It’s a common story amongst many in my generation and for my friend, it created an incredible amount of tension in his home when he grew up, to the extent he felt he didn’t really understand his dad and left him feeling a bit bitter about their relationship. Yet eventually he left home for college, graduated, got his own job, and started to build his own family. He said over time, as he faced the challenges of life, he began to realize the hard work and sacrifice his father made was all in the quest to give his own family the chance to grow and succeed. Not only that, as he had his own kids, he found that the bond he shared with his father only grew as he had a renewed perspective on the ups and downs that come with being a dad.
Now a very successful businessman, he said that he feels every day is Father’s Day to a degree, because oftentimes, we take our parents for granted, especially when we’re younger. We may not fully appreciate the things they do for us, notably through the difficult moments, until we grow a bit older and gain some perspective on life away from the home where we grew up in. Sometimes we may have had to reconcile relationships with our parents, including our fathers. Whatever the case may be, most of the time what our fathers do for us is out of love. If it feels misplaced or misguided sometimes, that’s ok, the important thing is to find the love through it all. As we celebrate Father’s Day this weekend, I encourage you to take a moment to cherish this important relationship and celebrate the positive difference our dads have made in our lives.
You might also enjoy taking a look at this link: ‘9 Reasons Why Fathers Matter’: https://www.eviemagazine.com/post/9-reasons-why-fathers-matter
Battle of New Hampshire Founding Fathers
Here’s an interesting but little-known story about two of our Founding Fathers from New Hampshire – each of whom played a role in the Revolution but due to their rivalry and feud accidentally helped New Hampshire become the key vote in ratifying our United States Constitution.
As you may or may not know, June 21st is New Hampshire's birthday, the date that New Hampshire was granted statehood in the United States. Technically, it is also the actual birthday of the United States Federal System and the official installation of the United State Constitution. New Hampshire's acceptance as the 9th state to ratify the US Constitution in 1788 helped the thirteen colonies reach the two-thirds needed to enact this new system of government.
However, as originally envisioned, New Hampshire was not supposed to be that 9th state. Following Massachusetts, New Hampshire would have been the seventh state in February 1788, with a convention in Exeter. So why the four-month difference?
John Sullivan, a Revolutionary War General, and John Langdon, a privateer during the Revolution whose shipyard built the ship that appears on the New Hampshire state seal, were political rivals. This rivalry is evident in their alternating terms as the President of the State (the equivalent of governor) twice. Sullivan was known as the rough military general while Langdon was more of a businessman.
With Langdon away at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 in Philadelphia, Sullivan was in charge at the February New Hampshire State Convention in Exeter and desperately wanted to win the ratification vote during Langdon’s absence and thus receive the associated glory. However, he failed – in part due to Langdon’s absence – and was forced to adjourn the meeting when he realized that he did not have enough support for ratification apart from Federalist-leaning Portsmouth to get a ‘yes’ vote for the Constitution.
Shortly thereafter, Langdon won election to replace Sullivan, as he was elected as the third President of the state. As such Langdon made it his business to reconvene the members in Concord. Despite the vote taking place in Concord, the heart of the Anti-Federalist region of the state, Langdon succeeded in winning support for the Constitution. And, just in time!
The ratification was accepted just as Virginia was about to vote with the clear intent that the Commonwealth provide the critical two-thirds needed for ratification. However, Virginia was four days too late.
Due to the rivalry between Landon and Sullivan and the associated delay, New Hampshire has the bragging rights for being the critical state in enacting the US Constitution. It’s also worth noting that the memories of both men live on today in our state through their namesakes. John Langdon, through the town of Langdon in southwestern New Hampshire and John Sullivan, through Sullivan County, also located in the scenic western portion of the state.
Best Buddies NH - Truly the Best!
We all have a special place in our hearts for volunteers and groups that dedicate themselves to a worthy cause. And, I can’t think of a better example of this than Best Buddies, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to helping those with intellectual disabilities establish fundamental skills to live full and meaningful lives.
Established by the Kennedy family in the 1970’s, Best Buddies has made great strides in helping those with setbacks be prepared to meet the challenges of the world. From job training to independent living and social skill coaching, the amazing team at Best Buddies along with a dynamite group of volunteers work tirelessly to support a truly wonderful group of individuals and in the process also create lifelong, lasting friendships.
Here in New Hampshire, the Best Buddies’ team, led by Sarra Dennehy Lynch just completed two amazing events to support the chapter. The annual Best Buddies’ Walk raised over $118,000 and two weeks ago, a dedicated crew of cyclists including Governor Chris Sununu took part in the Best Buddies’ annual Hyannis Challenge. The group raised $16,000 and biked hundreds of miles in total all to support the cause.
We all have passion projects and things that pull at our heart strings. If you have a job opening, an hour to spare, or willing to make a donation, I encourage you to take a look at Best Buddies for this is friendship that will last a lifetime!
To learn more - https://www.bestbuddies.org/newhampshire/
Positive Profile of the Week: Hershel Nunez
This week we are delighted to highlight a political leader who has devoted himself tirelessly to the causes he believes in – Hershel Nunez.
Hershel is a State Representative serving on the Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services committee as well as being a liaison for leadership on the Ways & Means. He currently serves as the Majority Development Coordinator providing important training to incoming and freshman House members which gives him the critical role of setting our new legislators on a path to success!
He is known for his no-nonsense talk where he gets straight to the point. However, he manages to do this in a way that leaves people with a smile on their face, even when they disagree. This demeanor has made him a true leader in Concord and legislation often hinges on his approval because of the clout that he carries.
Originally from Texas, he moved to New Hampshire over 20 years ago to share life with his partner. In 2007, he began working tirelessly with his community in many different areas, then ran for State Representative in 2018.
Hershel is a former Political Action Director for the New Hampshire Liberty Alliance currently serving as an Advisor to the Board. He’s also served as a board member for Granite State Home Educators. He has offered policy for the Institute of Justice, has received awards from the American Conservative Union Foundation and is a current member of the national Hazlitt Coalition of Liberty Legislators. In 2009 & 2010, he was named one of the Executive Professionals of the Year by “Cambridge Who’s Who”. He believes in Liberty and Freedom above everything else and continues to advise many others with the liberty perspective and fights for our rights as individuals supporting life, freedom, and the right to economic prosperity.
Hershel is retiring after this year to enjoy some much-needed time off. His voice will be missed in Concord, but he has prepared those behind him, and we will continue to see the fruits of his labor for years to come. Thank you so much Hershel for your service!
Quotes of the Week: Happy Father’s Day!
“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.”
Jim Valvano
“I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection.”
Sigmund Freud
“My father didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.”
Clarence Budington Kelland
“I believe that what we become depends on what our fathers teach us at odd moments, when they aren't trying to teach us. We are formed by little scraps of wisdom.”
Umberto Eco, Foucault's Pendulum
“The heart of a father is the masterpiece of nature.”
Prevost Abbe, Manon Lescaut
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