I just want to take a moment and encourage any other single fathers that might be out there. Life throws curveballs and we can't always see them coming. I never thought that I would end up parenting by myself, and it's been a rough couple years figuring it all out. I used to be able to work late and travel often and trust that my wife had things covered on the home front. It was nice to be on a team. Things are so different now that I'm the one making sack lunches in the morning and taking my daughter to soccer practice–it can definitely leave you haggard and stressed trying to keep it all straight.

But even though it's been hard, there's been so much good. I feel closer to my daughter than ever. My parents help out sometimes when I can't quite get it all done, and I think it's been good for my relationship with them too. I love my life and I love my daughter. I feel blessed.

No matter what you are going through, hang in there. It will get better.