I have a special place in my heart for fathers. Being one of three girls, I am a complete sucker for a big guy with a soft heart and gentle way about him. That’s my dad. In recent years, I have been given the opportunity to help care for my father, who isn’t in the best health. Getting the gift of being able to care for people who have cared for you is bittersweet, but I’m thankful for each day with him.
Whether you are new to the game, or have children and grandchildren, we can all appreciate, honor and celebrate the role of Father in our community and society. Thank you Dads for all that you do, for all that you are and all you encourage us to be.
With this HerVoice tribute to a local dad, we simply want to say…Happy Fathers Day!
Matt Scott is a local Father who graciously allowed us to step into his life and see what being a Dad really means to him. Matt is a husband to wife Jessie and father to three children: Sean (6), Meagan (4) and Claire (2). Matt is a Full-time Father while wife Jessie is a dentist in Yankton. Matt says he never thought he would be in this role, but is thankful for Jessie working so hard and the time it gives him with their children. They both work hard at providing a happy home for their three kiddos and have found the way that works for them.
I asked Matt some questions about his daily life and his role as a Dad.
A Typical Day
“Same as most people. Kids wake up early and it still seems to always be a rush to get everyone where they need to be on time. I make meals they probably won’t eat and try to come up with some daily creative activities. We paint, color, and play with play dough. If it’s nice out, we walk or go to the beach. We typically watch some TV. I have to try and keep up on some of the unending mess they create during the day. The laundry, dishes & household mess never seem to slow down.”
The Hardest Part of Being a Father
“I have a hard time reading Jessie’s mind. It seems to be just as hard with the kids. Trying to make or keep everyone happy is a job. It takes great skill to make the correct food for the day or pick out the right color of clothing for them to wear.”
The Most Fun
“I love watching them grow and seeing them learn and experience new things. Their smiles and facial expressions let me know I am doing a good job.”
What They are Teaching Me about Life
“The kids are helping me learn that life is short and should be full of fun. They remind me that life is not about keeping things clean nor worrying about the future. Hopefully, I will get the opportunity to help them maintain that ‘Live in the Now’ attitude without forgetting that there are limits.”
The Biggest Payoff
“I get to watch them grow up. I get to see each stage of their life. So far each stage has been just as good as the last. The kids impress me every single day. I am in no rush for them to grow up, but the ultimate payoff will be Jessie and I looking back at our life together and seeing these lives we have created and lovingly cultivated. We are doing everything we can to make them the best people they can be. The world is and will be a better place for having them in it. They’ve made our world complete.”
