The Weekends Are Not for Me

Dear Fellow Former Players & Friends,

February already! I can barely keep up.

Dads, we have a big job this month with our significant others or spouses and kids expecting us to create a special moment marked with love. Good luck!

But what about me? It’s hard not to sometimes think about myself.

I look forward to every weekend, but as a father I consistently realize the weekends are not for me. I have visions of catching up on yard work or odd jobs around the house. A jog, a haircut and a good nap. But somehow the weekend never quite measures up to my dreams. Instead I’m in the car 24 hours straight.

My wife forgets how to drive on the weekends and I become the family UBER.

A trip downtown to the hair salon, a ballet performance for Karis, then I finish with a basketball game for Chet.  I can almost feel my rear end hitting the couch when I hear those words from my wife’s mouth, “Hey parents how about a bite to eat with the boys?” Argh…Then it goes on a bit longer. More of the same on Sunday.

But at this stage of my life, I can’t imagine my weekends any other way. I have tremendous sympathy for my father.  He’s 88 now and I know accurately how he felt.

How did he do it day after day? Drive after drive. One more trip to the store. One more ride to practice and another trip to the mall.

I love my dad for his commitment, teaching me with his actions. Like so many of our dad’s quietly teaching us this important part about being a father.

Your family has a rhythm; a strong, regular, repeated pattern. You are the bass. The wheels your family rolls on.

Being a dad is important. You must recognize what your family needs and what you can give in your own way.

For a father there is no greater joy than to see his family thriving and his children doing their best and seeking truth and wisdom.

Sometimes driving them around is not just driving them around. It may be that you’re showing them you love and care, and more importantly, when their time comes, you’re showing them HOW to love and care for the families they make for themselves.

Speaking of showing them the way…flowers, chocolates and a few scented candles. Get to creating that special moment for the one you love the most!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Andre Collins

Executive Director
Professional Athletes Foundation
NFL Player 1990-1999