Fathers and Finances

 In this week’s classes, we discussed the importance that fathers play in the family as well as learning about family finances. Hearing accounts from others about the importance of fatherhood has helped me know for myself that having a father in the home is crucial. From personal experience, I grew up not having my father around, but I am not bitter about it. I cannot remember my feelings about it when I was younger, but there was a chance that I was confused about why my father was not involved more in my life. Though he may not have been in my life every day, I was allowed to visit with him biweekly at his house. My father is big into four-wheelers and I remember the first time that he allowed me to drive one for myself. My first attempt though did not happen as well as what I would have liked it to go. I’m not sure how it happened but I remember driving the four-wheeler one second but then finding myself underneath it the next, it all happened so fast. Luckily for me, the four-wheeler that I was driving was built for a child (my father borrowed it from a friend). After the accident, my father rushed me inside the house and put a cold dishcloth on my face. Though I did eventually learn how to ride a four-wheeler, that first experience is one that I would like to forget. Out of all the memories that I remember having with my dad, this one had the most significance. I still do love my father, but I wished he would have been more a part of my life.

From a research standpoint, there is evidence to support that fathers play a pivotal role in a child’s development. In reports of school shootings that have happened, reports say that the cause of it is because these individuals came from fatherless households. From my own experience, I have had my fair share of bad choices and experiences. I do not, however, blame these actions and behaviors on my father. I alone made these choices and have done the best I can to obtain forgiveness for those mistakes from my Father in Heaven. Although I may not share many memories with my father, I am indeed grateful for the individuals who had a major influence on my life. One of these individuals, who was a member of the bishopric at the time, was named brother Stevens. From the time that I first met him to when he had passed away, brother Stevens was a dear friend to me. I remember times that he would pick me up from my house in his roadster car and we would go cruising through town, he would even drive me to his house in it. The first time that I rode in the car he told me to keep my mouth closed or else a bug would fly into my mouth. It was not always fun and games though, there were times that he would allow me to help him out with whatever needed to be done around his house. Though I do miss him, I will forever be grateful for the part that he played in my life.

Another individual who I consider to be a father figure was a friend of mine by the name of Benny Ruda. Benny has been in the business of boarding and training horses as well as giving horseback riding lessons for a long time. How I came to meet him was my determination to get over my fear of horses. He was very knowledgeable in helping me to not only learn how to saddle a horse but also how to ride the horse effectively. The lessons I learned from him were much more than just applying it to riding a horse, it also helped guide me throughout my life. I hope to be just as effective as him when I have children.

With the topic of family finances, families must learn to work together to help provide for their needs. Before the industrial age, families were known to work together if they wanted to survive. With the creation of industries though, most men and women took the opportunity to work in the factories rather than as close-knit families. My goal regarding my future family is to obtain a job that will not only provide for them but will also give me time to spend time with them. In my life, I have never had to experience being in debt, but I know there will come a day when I will be faced with it. So far it has not happened with my college education and my goal is to keep from having to go into debt because of it. The only reason I will apply for a college loan is if I have no other choice. We are commanded by our church leaders to stay out of debt as much as possible unless it is for a house or education. May we all strive to heed this wise counsel and not spend money on things that have no importance.