Thank you for reading! If you have time and wish to share your thoughts, Iād love to hear them. If you would rather talk over email or phone rather than on here, just reach out and we can make it happen!
Thank you, Daniel. It takes a lot to open up like this - I salute your courage. What you wrote was as moving as it was well-written. And it sounds like your children have a wonderful, wise, and reflective father. May God be with you as you pour out yourself for them.
Sing to God, sing praises to his name; lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts; his name is the LORD; exult before him! Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. Psalm 68:4-5
Great story of God's power, protection, and guidance. Thanks for sharing such a personal story. It is encouraging to see how both you and Derek embraced the circumstances you were given.
Oh my goodness Cork! I should have asked you to help edit! How did I not use that scripture?!? As always thank you for reading and for sharing. And also for the encouragement! Youāre the man!
Daniel, I want to give you and Derek a big bear hug. God is so good. What a witness this is. You're absolutely right, God uses everything for our good. He most have great plans for you. I applaud you for wanted to be a strong father to your kids, the world needs this. May God continue to bless you and your family!
Wow, thank you for sharing this story. This is essentially my introduction to you and your brother, as I had only seen your names around!
As for resources, have you heard of Dr. Anthony Bradley? He was a professor at the Kings College in NYC (up until it dissolved this year), writes books, has a podcast. He is passionate about the role of fathers and of the potential of good men. His most recent book is called Heroic Fraternities and delves into ways in which the best of them can form men into ones of virtuous action. Anyways, he cares deeply about the flourishing of boys and men. You could peruse his podcast episodes if that interests you! https://open.spotify.com/show/6JWoRZAJThqpIQt0QXWogH?si=199290b0b0b84cb7
Thank you for taking the time to read, Haley! I hope this introduction was good enough to bring you back in the future. I have heard of him! I believe from you actually a few weeks ago when you told me about his podcast episode with Steven Cristforou. Which was a great episode by the way! I will check out the other episodes for sure! Thank you for sharing that!
Oh thatās right! I had forgotten which of you brothers I shared that with. But yeah, heās got some great interviews with college guys that I havenāt even checked out yet.
Daniel, what a heart-felt testimony to God's grace, mercy, and power to use the broken pieces of our lives for His purpose. The fact that you have lived through these experiences of fatherlessness and loss, but yet have found a firm hold in your life, leading your own family as a patriarch is an incredible blessing. I am sure that there are countless young men that could benefit from hearing your experience, finding encouragement that not all is lost if one has a broken start in life (sounds like a perfect ministry for you!). Thanks also for your generous mention, and I think your line hits the spot: "To be a great husband and father means that I cannot allow myself to be a distracted man." Blessings to you and your family.
Thank you so much for reading. And youāre right, there is certainly ministry to be done with men and fatherless boys. I should be and will pray for opportunities to do this work.
My dear friend, thank you so much for opening up about your past. Testimony has power and yours showcases Christās love and pursuit of us.
I hope you already know this, but from the time I met you in college, your wisdom and integrity have made and continue to make a lasting impact on my life. I see you as one of my spiritual fathers and dearest friends. The example you have set through our friendship impacts my role as a husband and father.
Thank you for partnering with our Heavenly Father to illustrate how the fatherless are never truly Fatherless. The divine poetry He has worked in your life is inspiring. Your family is truest blessed to have you and your readers are blessed to have your perspective laid bare.
Micah Mills, how dare you you on here and make me cry!
You are a true friend and a true brother in Christ. He has given you the gift of encouragement and big do you use it. Micah, I can also say from the first time we met, Iāve looked to you as an example of a kind, smart, and dedicated disciple of Jesus.
Thank you for reading and for the love. It made my day.
Daniel...what an incrediblely beautiful and difficult testimony. The loss of your mom on top of that lack of having your father...there are no words. Thank you so much for sharing your journey, your struggles, the insights you've gained. You and your brother are inspiring, and I'll hold you in my prayers as you continue your worthy work.
We've been witness to relatives in our family go through the journey of fatherlessness, as well as loss of their mother, and it's just excruciatingly painful. Your wisdom and insights, your mindfulness as you carve a way forward in your own family, are those touchstones of redemption that don't take away the grief, but do help to saturate life with love going forward.
Blessings to you and your brother - it was such a treat to meet you both via that write-in the other day!
Thank you, Kristin for taking the time to read and share! And thank you for your prayers. My brother and I certainly need them!
Fatherlessness is something that should be eradicated. Not only that, I think men need to grow and become good fathers if not great ones. A present indifferent father is no good either.
I wrote this because I know fatherlessness is unfortunately common. Also because I believe my brother and I do not need to be the exception. There is hope beyond immediately harsh circumstances because our God is good!
o, Daniel, I love you two boys. I lost my brother, my father, most of my extended family, and pretty much all the men in my life, which meant āall I hadā was my husband, Jesus & our Father in Heaven ā who taught me a lot about where, indeed, your Treasure is. Itās not on my past, nor what happened to us as in my extended family, itās on heaven.
God bless you & your brother & your sweet, sweet mama.š„
Nov 19, 2023Ā·edited Nov 19, 2023Liked by Daniel Joseph Petty
Thanks for sharing your story. I also grew up without a father, though for different reasons. My dad died from cancer when I was four, oldest of three. My mom, with the support our church community, my godfather, and some friends' dads, managed to raise us without going crazy. It is a void that can never be filled. And inspiration to be good dad myself, even though I missed out on the role model and mentorship of my own. One thing I've noticed, looking back from age 45, is that I have never seemed to be able to connect with any other older men as role models or mentors. While some men were there for me when I was young, they could only be so present, and I never developed an intimate, vulnerable relationship with them; nor later, in my career or life, have I felt able to trust my cares to any other older men. I wonder if that is common among those of us who lost our dad at a young age.
Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment. If really is a void that cannot be filled and I also am using my experience to be a good dad. I eventually did find men to connect with as role models and mentor. Specifically men in my church. One made it a point to be there for me and claimed me as his own. He actually calls me son to this day. He didnāt give me a choice really. He adopted me as a spiritual father and it means the world to me. But I wouldnāt be surprised if what you are describing is common.
I have so many thoughts. Thank you for sharing this deeply personal essay. God bless you š
Thank you for reading! If you have time and wish to share your thoughts, Iād love to hear them. If you would rather talk over email or phone rather than on here, just reach out and we can make it happen!
Thank you, Daniel. It takes a lot to open up like this - I salute your courage. What you wrote was as moving as it was well-written. And it sounds like your children have a wonderful, wise, and reflective father. May God be with you as you pour out yourself for them.
Thank you, Hadden for reading and for the very kind words!
Sing to God, sing praises to his name; lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts; his name is the LORD; exult before him! Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation. Psalm 68:4-5
Great story of God's power, protection, and guidance. Thanks for sharing such a personal story. It is encouraging to see how both you and Derek embraced the circumstances you were given.
Oh my goodness Cork! I should have asked you to help edit! How did I not use that scripture?!? As always thank you for reading and for sharing. And also for the encouragement! Youāre the man!
Daniel, I want to give you and Derek a big bear hug. God is so good. What a witness this is. You're absolutely right, God uses everything for our good. He most have great plans for you. I applaud you for wanted to be a strong father to your kids, the world needs this. May God continue to bless you and your family!
Such beautiful insight. Thank you so much for sharing so openly. Praying for continued healing for you & your brother.
Wow, thank you for sharing this story. This is essentially my introduction to you and your brother, as I had only seen your names around!
As for resources, have you heard of Dr. Anthony Bradley? He was a professor at the Kings College in NYC (up until it dissolved this year), writes books, has a podcast. He is passionate about the role of fathers and of the potential of good men. His most recent book is called Heroic Fraternities and delves into ways in which the best of them can form men into ones of virtuous action. Anyways, he cares deeply about the flourishing of boys and men. You could peruse his podcast episodes if that interests you! https://open.spotify.com/show/6JWoRZAJThqpIQt0QXWogH?si=199290b0b0b84cb7
Thank you for taking the time to read, Haley! I hope this introduction was good enough to bring you back in the future. I have heard of him! I believe from you actually a few weeks ago when you told me about his podcast episode with Steven Cristforou. Which was a great episode by the way! I will check out the other episodes for sure! Thank you for sharing that!
Oh thatās right! I had forgotten which of you brothers I shared that with. But yeah, heās got some great interviews with college guys that I havenāt even checked out yet.
Daniel, what a heart-felt testimony to God's grace, mercy, and power to use the broken pieces of our lives for His purpose. The fact that you have lived through these experiences of fatherlessness and loss, but yet have found a firm hold in your life, leading your own family as a patriarch is an incredible blessing. I am sure that there are countless young men that could benefit from hearing your experience, finding encouragement that not all is lost if one has a broken start in life (sounds like a perfect ministry for you!). Thanks also for your generous mention, and I think your line hits the spot: "To be a great husband and father means that I cannot allow myself to be a distracted man." Blessings to you and your family.
Thank you so much for reading. And youāre right, there is certainly ministry to be done with men and fatherless boys. I should be and will pray for opportunities to do this work.
My dear friend, thank you so much for opening up about your past. Testimony has power and yours showcases Christās love and pursuit of us.
I hope you already know this, but from the time I met you in college, your wisdom and integrity have made and continue to make a lasting impact on my life. I see you as one of my spiritual fathers and dearest friends. The example you have set through our friendship impacts my role as a husband and father.
Thank you for partnering with our Heavenly Father to illustrate how the fatherless are never truly Fatherless. The divine poetry He has worked in your life is inspiring. Your family is truest blessed to have you and your readers are blessed to have your perspective laid bare.
Micah Mills, how dare you you on here and make me cry!
You are a true friend and a true brother in Christ. He has given you the gift of encouragement and big do you use it. Micah, I can also say from the first time we met, Iāve looked to you as an example of a kind, smart, and dedicated disciple of Jesus.
Thank you for reading and for the love. It made my day.
Thank you for sharing, Daniel. May God bless and strengthen you in your role as a husband and father!
Daniel...what an incrediblely beautiful and difficult testimony. The loss of your mom on top of that lack of having your father...there are no words. Thank you so much for sharing your journey, your struggles, the insights you've gained. You and your brother are inspiring, and I'll hold you in my prayers as you continue your worthy work.
We've been witness to relatives in our family go through the journey of fatherlessness, as well as loss of their mother, and it's just excruciatingly painful. Your wisdom and insights, your mindfulness as you carve a way forward in your own family, are those touchstones of redemption that don't take away the grief, but do help to saturate life with love going forward.
Blessings to you and your brother - it was such a treat to meet you both via that write-in the other day!
Thank you, Kristin for taking the time to read and share! And thank you for your prayers. My brother and I certainly need them!
Fatherlessness is something that should be eradicated. Not only that, I think men need to grow and become good fathers if not great ones. A present indifferent father is no good either.
I wrote this because I know fatherlessness is unfortunately common. Also because I believe my brother and I do not need to be the exception. There is hope beyond immediately harsh circumstances because our God is good!
o, Daniel, I love you two boys. I lost my brother, my father, most of my extended family, and pretty much all the men in my life, which meant āall I hadā was my husband, Jesus & our Father in Heaven ā who taught me a lot about where, indeed, your Treasure is. Itās not on my past, nor what happened to us as in my extended family, itās on heaven.
God bless you & your brother & your sweet, sweet mama.š„
Thanks for sharing your story. I also grew up without a father, though for different reasons. My dad died from cancer when I was four, oldest of three. My mom, with the support our church community, my godfather, and some friends' dads, managed to raise us without going crazy. It is a void that can never be filled. And inspiration to be good dad myself, even though I missed out on the role model and mentorship of my own. One thing I've noticed, looking back from age 45, is that I have never seemed to be able to connect with any other older men as role models or mentors. While some men were there for me when I was young, they could only be so present, and I never developed an intimate, vulnerable relationship with them; nor later, in my career or life, have I felt able to trust my cares to any other older men. I wonder if that is common among those of us who lost our dad at a young age.
Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment. If really is a void that cannot be filled and I also am using my experience to be a good dad. I eventually did find men to connect with as role models and mentor. Specifically men in my church. One made it a point to be there for me and claimed me as his own. He actually calls me son to this day. He didnāt give me a choice really. He adopted me as a spiritual father and it means the world to me. But I wouldnāt be surprised if what you are describing is common.