Fathers Network Celebrates the Little Steps

Posted @ Jun. 17 2011 03:45PM by Lauren -

Dads who get together to create infectious enthusiasm during difficult circumstances.

Ever year in mid June we celebrate the unconditional love of our fathers.
For Chris Cady of Bremerton, a single dad who balances his time on the Naval Base Kitsap with caring for his 11-year-old son Josh who was born with Cytomegalovirus and needs extensive attention, unconditional love is a way of life.

Cady’s son is legally blind, deaf, epileptic and has cerebral palsy. While Josh is often in his wheel chair, hooked up to a feeding tube, or being carried by his dad from one place to the next, he has the charisma of any other child. He has a love for rough-housing and an even deeper love for his father. 

Out of 600 military father nominees throughout the nation, Cady was the winner of the 2011 Military Fatherhood Award.

While Cady’s achievement is accredited to his ability to raise Josh on his own with unlimited optimism, he wasn’t exactly alone.

Cady is part of the Washington State Fathers Network, a statewide program for all men and their families who have children with special needs.

Chris Cady who is part of the Fathers Network and received 2011 Military Fatherhood Award. 

“The way we socialize dads in this country, they don’t come together like mom’s do,” said Greg Schell who runs the Fathers Network through the Kindering Center in Bellevue, a center for children with special needs.

As Schell puts it, the network is about connecting with other dads to acknowledge the little accomplishments that represent monumental progress.

“It’s really taking the littlest steps in the world and celebrating them,” said Schell.

With The Fathers Network’s cheering support of those little steps, Cady has earned one giant celebration.

“He is a wonderful example of what all dad’s should be,” said Schell who attended Cady's award ceremony last week. 

Do you have a story about a father’s unconditional love for his children/child?