NBOTW - Bringing Me To Tears

Posted by Barbara Swafford on Tuesday, October 28th 2008

Filed in: Archives, New Blog Of The Week

Here’s another daddy blogger who is making his mark on blogosphere. By reviewing his early posts, he writes how he and his wife made a decision to have him stay home with the four children and she would to work.

I knew he was a great guy when he dedicated his first blog post to his wife. It’s titled “Happy Anniversary Darling” and in it he writes (in part):

I’ve waited until today to launch [my blog], and I want to dedicate the endeavour to my wife, not for what it is now, nor what it may become, but for what it represents for our future and the opportunities we are yet to see

After being a stay at home dad for a short period, he had a wake up call. In his post titled I’m Not Sexist”, he describes the responsibilities of a stay at home dad (or mom).

The workload is astonishing. You are everything to everybody. You are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year. You are the cook, the cleaner, the chauffer. You are the nanny, the nurse, the teacher. You manage the accounts, the household supplies (within a budget), and maybe three, four or five different schedules. You often have to be two different places at any one time. The schedule and the demands on your time can be overwhelming.

It’s been an eye opening experience, but he’s handled it well. Along with the children, he also had to deal with the family pet. This post brought tears to my eyes, and is titled, ““The Loss Of A Well Loved Pet”. Grab a Kleenex and check it out. In part, it says

On the morning that I was to take him [the dog] to the vet, we went for a last walk in the woods. He didn’t go very far because he just couldn’t, his ailing health had taken its toll. He still sniffed around and he still wagged his tail and this made it all the more difficult.

You may have seen him here or somewhere else in blogosphere. His name is Dave Fowler, and his blog is “Teach My Children Well”.

Join me in re-welcoming Dave to the BWAB community.

Hello again, Dave!

Enjoy your reign.

Photo Credit: Megyarsh’s photostream

30 Comments

Davina

said on October 28th, 2008

Hi Barbara. Great choice! Dave is way cool. Congrats Dave on your turn at NBOTW — you deserve it.

Davina´s last blog post..Awakening To A Balanced Life

Miguel de Luis

said on October 28th, 2008

Hi Barbara

You have just made me remember the time I spent working as a houseparent in a children’s home. Which is all of the above for seven children of widely different ages, a strict budget, paper work, visits from family, behaving funny at night… Can you say stress?

(And that I was a substitute during summer holidays)

Miguel de Luis´s last blog post..11.5 Tips to read wisely: frugal and clutter free reading

Blogger Dad

said on October 28th, 2008

Awesome that you are honoring Dave and his site. He is one of the most sincere and funniest people I’ve met since I started my own blog. Normally, he and I exchange good natured jabs, but I will forgo tradition and let him have his moment of glory without my crude comments.

His best post might be the recent one where his child swore. It was the funniest thing I’ve read in a long time.

Congrats, Dave!

Blogger Dad´s last blog post..Our baby story - part four: uh oh, my water broke

Scott McIntyre

said on October 28th, 2008

It’s great to see another new blog- and a Daddy blogger at that, Barbara.

I know that ‘mommy bloggers’ have been big in the blogosphere… now the dads seem to be a growing niche.

Who knows which family blogging member is next- grandmom bloggers maybe?

Mike Goad

said on October 28th, 2008

I have been reading Dave’s blog for the last couple of weeks. Another nice pick!

Mike Goad´s last blog post..Part of the joy of photography is sharing! and…

Leanne Magraith | Forever Change

said on October 28th, 2008

Dave is a very deserving NBOTW. I have been visiting Dave’s blog since it started. I love the way Dave weaves his stories in the posts. He shares a lot about himself in a genuine down to earth way and interacts with his readers in way that you feel like you have known him forever.

His sense of humour is pretty warped too - I love it - it makes his blog a fun place to visit.

Leanne Magraith | Forever Change´s last blog post..A Story About A Major Business Restructure - Part 5

Bowtrol

said on October 28th, 2008

Hi, I have never heard about Dave Fowler before, but I think his blog will be very interesting for me, and now I am going to visit it.

Writer Dad

said on October 28th, 2008

Fantastic choice Barbara. I love Dave Fowler. He is a good man, with obvious integrity. His posts are great, and comments golden. There is something deeply human about him, and he’s always willing to say what he’s thinking which is a beautiful thing indeed. His children will undoubtedly be taught well. Congratulations, Dave. You deserve it.

Writer Dad´s last blog post..At Least I Don’t Have Zits

Betsy

said on October 28th, 2008

Hi Barbara - an outstanding choice! Dave deftly weaves his story-telling with the right amounts of poignancy and humor. His blog is a sure bet, as throughout the reader wants to get to know him even more. He is an excellent writer, and an all-around mensch. Hearty congratulations, Dave!

Betsy´s last blog post..MOMENTUM

Wendi Kelly-Life's Little Inspirations

said on October 28th, 2008

Barbara,

Dave is a GREAT choice! Congrats Dave! You are joing a wonderful group! I love your blog!

Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirations´s last blog post..Teeter-Totter Tribulations

Lance

said on October 28th, 2008

Dave, man this is awesome! There is no one more deserving than you. Your writing is filled with humor, with truths, with real life. I love your writing style, and really, the way you tell it like it is.

Barbara - great choice for this week’s NBOTW!

Lance´s last blog post..At One Hundred, Life Is…

Dave Fowler

said on October 28th, 2008

Barbara: What a lovely gift – and it is a gift to be recognised in this way so early on in my blogging career. So thank you very much for such a lovely tribute.

I’ve only been blogging for two months but it feels like I’ve been at it for ages. Time really does fly.

It’s great to have been accepted into so many fascinating communities. And any success I’ve enjoyed so far is much less to do with what I’ve written and much more to do with the great friends I’ve made.

So, thanks again Barbara and thanks to everyone else who has helped and supported me.

To Everyone Else: Firstly, WOW!

And secondly, please just give me a little while longer and I’ll be back to join in properly. I have some family obligations to take care of first and then I’ll have the freedom to enjoy some uninterrupted comment fun!

Blogging just gets more exciting every single day!

Dave

Dave Fowler´s last blog post..I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead

Vered - MomGrind

said on October 28th, 2008

Dave caught my attention when he left highly thoughtful, well articulated comments on MomGrind. What a fine choice for NBOTW!

Vered - MomGrind´s last blog post..The Funniest Hairstyles Of The 20th Century

Maya

said on October 28th, 2008

Dave!!

Funny and thoughtful - wonderful posts that are a joy to read!

Congrats! I really enjoy your posts !

Maya´s last blog post..Embracing our cultural identities at work and in life can only be good for us

J.D. Meier

said on October 28th, 2008

Congrats Dave!

I like the “stay at home” description — it’s the epitome of project management.

J.D. Meier´s last blog post..One Pitch at a Time

Tara

said on October 28th, 2008

Oh no! You do know he is going to be insufferable now don’t you?
Dave is genuine, funny, warm and giving and i think we could all take a lesson from his open style.
But don’t EVER tell him I said that.

Tara´s last blog post..The business of blogging: Dave’s story

Dave Fowler

said on October 28th, 2008

Davina: Thank you, it’s very nice of you to say so. I haven’t been able to play as much lately with the children having colds and being on a break from school but the fun continues all around me in the various comment sections and it’s nice to dip into the fun when I get the chance.

Miguel: Those are exactly the challenges I face at the moment and it can be stressful. If you’ve ever written about how you coped I’d love to read about it.

BloggerDad: I have to laugh because it almost is becoming a tradition. Sometimes I have to check myself before responding to make sure the subject matter being discussed lends itself to mirth. I confess that sometimes I get it wrong. You Doofus.

Thanks BD. You’re a superstar.

Scott: You’re dead right. I find myself turning to blogging at a time when daddy blogging seems to be gaining popularity. I consider myself fortunate that sufficient have gone before me to ease my path into this niche and yet it’s not so crowded that I can’t be heard. Good times!

Mike: You have indeed and I’ve been very pleased of your company. I started out without a blog and spent my time commenting on other people’s blogs and I loved it. I want to do more of that in the future and put myself about (as it were).

Leanne: Speak about weaving stories! I caught the last part of yours today and thought it was fantastic. I have much to learn about writing and blogging, I barely consider myself either one of those at the moment but what I do know is that I’m having a lot of fun.

It’s incredibly rewarding when people play along with my humour. And I would happily concede that it is somewhat warped - but some people just encourage me all the more. Any ideas who I might be referring to Leanne???

WriterDad: As ever, the ultimate Gent. It’s true that my writing isn’t often directly about my children but it is about the way I influence them. I know they’ll model my behaviour and do as I do, and say what I say, so I have an obligation to do the right thing as often as I’m able. Thank you Sean I’m greatful for the encouragement you give me.

Betsy: It’s incredible when writers far more talented than myself present me with such lovely compliments. Thank you.

I’m forced to look up the meaning of ‘mensch’ though. Curious.

It’s funny, but the more I open up about the way I think and feel the better I feel about it. It’s an enjoyable process. It’s also much easier to open up in engaging and interesting company.

Wendi: There’s amazing talent gathered at this table. It’s a pleasure to mix with such a fine crowd - it can only improve the quality of my own endeavours. I have no doubt. Thank you for the kind compliment.

Lance: It really is awesome. Totally out of the blue. There’s no warning of being NBOTW, it’s like a wonderful surprise party.

It’s brilliant that you’d say such things Lance. You certainly are good for the soul. Thanks for lending your support.

Barbara: This is really terrific. It’s made my day. I’ll be back for more commenting after I’ve gone through the bathtime ritual with the children.
Dave Fowler´s last blog post..I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead

Jannie "Funster"

said on October 28th, 2008

I can’t bring myself to read the dog dying post altho I am sure it must be very well written. That one line has brought me to tears, remembering my Chancie-dog and at the thought of losing our Peach, shih-tzu, Chance’s daughter someday. She is now 11.

Welcome, Dave. I will check out your blog.

Jannie “Funster”´s last blog post..Like a bord on a wire, 1

Patricia

said on October 28th, 2008

Wow another great choice this week, I enjoyed reading all the posts I could squeeze in this morning after all the news reads.
Thank you Barbara for the introduction.

Patricia´s last blog post..Halloween: A Celebration of Spooky

Cath Lawson

said on October 28th, 2008

Hi Barbara - good choice. I hadn’t read Dave’s blog but I’ve just been checking out out a few of his posts now.

Cath Lawson´s last blog post..Are These 4 Social Network Sites A Waste Of Time?

Dave Fowler

said on October 28th, 2008

Vered: You’re as supportive as ever. You have been right from the start. The sad thing about spending more time on my own blog, is I get to spend less time on yours. And that is a real shame. I think once I find the right balance I’ll be able to spend more time visiting and engaging wonderful bloggers like yourself.

Maya: Thank you so much. You know that sometimes I don’t even try to be funny. I think it helps to be naturally silly – which I am. I’m glad you enjoy some of what I write, and thank you for your visits.

J.D. Meier: It is. And it’s something I’m struggling with at the moment. I might well have had the stay at home project well and truly managed by now had I not started blogging. I’m not going to use that as an excuse though – I’m going to continue to adjust until I do get it right.

Thanks for the congrats.

Tara: You are just too lovely for words. You’d never admit it publicly but you’ve given me so much help and encouragement since I started. Thank you Tara. I’m not even going to make a joke – that’s how much I’ve grown.

Jannie: As I recall, that post had a few men shed a tear – including me. I haven’t been back to read it since I published it. I hope you like what you find when you check out my pages. Thanks Jannie.

Patricia: Thank you for saying that Patricia. I know what you mean about squeezing things in. It sometimes feels like there’s too much to do. I decided to take it easy this week and post only twice. I hadn’t expected to be doing this today but I’m delighted to have the chance to address comments on Barbara’s blog.

Cath: Thanks. You’d be welcome anytime, as would everybody else. I’m always open to hearing a different opinion or perspective. As time goes on I hope to improve my writing although I can’t say the same for my humour.
Dave Fowler´s last blog post..I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead

notSupermum

said on October 28th, 2008

Good choice! I only recently discovered Dave’s blog and I’m really enjoying reading through his posts.

notSupermum´s last blog post..Autumnal

Dave Fowler

said on October 28th, 2008

notSupermum: I know you addressed that comment to Barbara, but I just wanted to say thanks for your visits. I enjoy your sense of humour, it fits pretty well with my own. You are welcome anytime.
Dave Fowler´s last blog post..I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead

Barbara Swafford

said on October 28th, 2008

Hi All - I love that Dave has been here answering your comments. It’s given me time to catch up on my paying job. My desk is looking so much more organized.

I see we have two new faces in the crowd. Jannie Funster and notSupermum. It’s great to have both of you here supporting my choice for Dave and his blog.

Dave - You’re doing an excellent job of replying to all the comments. You’re hired!

Dave Fowler

said on October 28th, 2008

Barbara,

My day is coming to an end now, but what a great day it’s been!

I’m subscribed to the post so I’ll be able to catch anyone else that comments after I’ve gone to bed. I’m keen to hang on to my new job you see. Hehehe.

I’m going to remember this day on my trophies page by putting up a little icon, I hope that’s OK?

Thanks again Barbara.

Dave.

Dave Fowler´s last blog post..I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead

Tara

said on October 28th, 2008

I’ve just left a comment on your blog saying we’re not friends anymore Dave because you blathered on about some rubbish song or other . . .
Then you said “Thank you Tara. I’m not even going to make a joke – that’s how much I’ve grown” and I feel AWFUL.
Can I retract what I said and replace it with I’ll be your bloggy buddy again?

(unless you mention AC/DC again: then it’s OFF)

Tara´s last blog post..The business of blogging: Dave’s story

Eric Hamm

said on October 28th, 2008

Thanks for bringing Dave and his blog to my attention, Barbara. Another great ‘blogging dad’!

Dave, I hope the best for you and your blogging endeavors. You have a great writing talent, so I don’t question your potential for success. The subject of your blog will provide endless material, and stories that we can all relate to.

Congratulations on being picked this week! Eric.

Eric Hamm´s last blog post..To Another 33 Years!

Oktober Five

said on October 28th, 2008

Thanks for the recommendation. I remember reading some from this blog a while back, then forgot about it, and now I’m back. And I love it. I think it’s gotten better over time.

Dave Fowler

said on October 29th, 2008

Tara: Of course we can still be bloggy buddies. I’ll pick another record if it makes you happier. Thing is it could be even worse. Are you willing to risk it?

Eric: I appreciate you saying that. It’s tough in the beginning but I know you already know that because you’re even busier than I am turning out quality material. I couldn’t even hope to meet the schedule you adhere to. You’re amazing.

Once I manage to get my imagination into gear I hope to tap into more of the abundance of material. Writing in this way is fairly alien to me. Very enjoyable though!

Ocktober Five: I’m delighted you think my writing has got better. I’m trying to improve all the time, but a little experimentation here and there may have me appearing a little disjointed every now and then. Nothing ventured nothing gained eh?
Dave Fowler´s last blog post..I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead

Sara