We all take different paths to fatherhood. For some it happens early and unexpected, while others it takes effort and maybe some medical assistance, but no matter how we arrived in this place we all know that specific feeling of becoming a dad for the first time. We recently asked the dad of our Facebook community to share their story about when they became a father. Here’s just a small taste of what you told us.
Damien Simpson: 38. It just didn’t happen sooner…and thank god for that! I wouldn’t be where I am now with the woman I am now with the daughter I have now. Everything happens for a reason.
Wilhelm Chaney: 19. I was in my last semester of college. Got my act together big time graduated dean’s list. Got married to my high school sweetheart bought some land with a decent house. All by the age of 22. Just want the best possible for my little girl.
Mohekia Howard: 22, I wish my daughter came a few years later when I was established but I wouldn’t trade her for the world. Seriously, if an alien came down and said they’d either burn the world and everyone in it or my daughter, sorry but y’all gonna end up like KFC.
Tommy Licea: 15, I was in 8th grade. She is about to be 9 in January. Also had another at 17, she is 6. I haven’t missed 1 moment of their lives!
Juergen Schweinberger: 57 with my daughter and 58 with my son, maybe some will say, too old, but for me it was the best timing. Both of them giving me a lot energy and I love them.
Matthew Woods: 30. Found out my wife was pregnant on my 30th birthday in Barcelona, the best gift ever – although it meant she was unable to share the bubbles with me.
Andy Piana: I was 41. She’s now 8. I thought fatherhood had passed me by but then i was blessed with a daughter. She finished off my personal jigsaw when I didn’t realise I was missing a piece.
Shawn Burnstick-Williams: 19 years old. I was a Mr. Mom to my daughter as my wife was still in school and I had a job that I could work around her school schedule. Daughter turned 21 this summer! (pictured above – thanks for sharing that amazing photo, Shawn!!)
Todd Christiansen: 20. She changed my life forever and now my daughter is 12 going on 30. It’s scary how kids these days want to grow up way to fast. I keep telling her slow down and enjoy your childhood.
Aaron Gerdtz: 25 with a surprise pregnancy. Only a month or so into officially dating my now fiance. Unplanned but absolutely not unwanted. At 27 I had my second beautiful child. 2 perfect daughters.
Gavin Craddock: 29, seems to be a good age – still young enough to play and run round with them but with a solid education, career, house, etc out of the way first. I’m 36 now with a 7 year old and 5 year old.
Kenny Moore: 31. Never thought I wanted kids till the day I found out we were expecting.. I’m glad it happened when it did. We’re getting married next fall and I’m glad my daughter will be a part of it.
Nathan Fickes: 19. About a year and half out of high school to a woman who basically took off 2 years later.
19 years later and I would change anything about any of it. He’s the best thing to ever happen to me and makes me proud every day.