As a father of four, Tim knows firsthand that parenthood is a transformative journey filled with challenges and profound rewards. From the moment she was born, his daughter Kaitlin began shaping his life in unexpected ways. As Tim puts it, "Katie has taught me so much without saying a word."
Kaitlin's premature birth, rare medical condition, and countless procedures taught Tim resilience and determination in the face of uncertainty. He and his wife made sure Kaitlin had every opportunity to live her best life. Tim has been her rock and helped her navigate health challenges, school years, her mother's passing, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
In return, Tim has received life-changing and unconditional love from Kaitlin. She is his constant companion and cheerleader. "At the end of the day, Katie claps every time I come through the door," he says with a smile. "She's always glad to see me. She has stretched me emotionally and spiritually."
Parenting Katie led Tim to ordination as a Catholic Deacon and healthcare ministry in pastoral care, where he uses his experiences to help others. While he lives out this meaningful mission, Aveanna CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants) care for Kaitlin so that she can continue thriving at home. "Aveanna provides coverage in the afternoon so that I can work," he explains. "It's a comfort to know that Katie is well taken care of while I do my thing."
Tim has many valuable lessons to pass along to the families he works with thanks to his attitude of constant learning. "With fatherhood, you have to adapt," he reflects. "You have to get over the idea that you have it all figured out. You have to be open to what your kids are teaching you. You will always be learning from them. In the end, your kids are the ones who grow you up."
What's the most important lesson Tim has learned as a dad? How to see and celebrate the beauty of medically fragile fatherhood. "I don't mean to say it's not hard," he says. "Give appropriate attention to the hard things you're in the middle of. But don't miss the big picture. It's easy to get lost in the pain or grief over the life you expected. Don't miss the gift right in front of your eyes. Katie is beautiful just the way she is, and I wouldn't change a thing about her."
Tim's focus on the beauty of his fatherhood journey has transformed his life and the life of everyone who knows him. Today, we celebrate Tim and dads like him all over the world whose strength, love, and resilience define what it means to be a father.