At our global headquarters here in New York, we have a large screen television in our lobby. It runs continuously all day long, generally showing news shows or one of the talk shows like Ellen or Katie. I walk by this screen at least ten times a day, and barely pay any attention.
Well, the other day, I was stopped dead in my tracks at the sight of Prince William, standing next to his wife, holding their newborn baby (who we now know as George).
I stopped dead in my tracks because I think it was a sight I'd waited twenty years to see: a proper portrayal of the new Dad.
In one singular moment, Prince William spoke and represented legions of us fathers who have taken a super active role in the upbringing of our children. Dads who have been with our children every step of the way, from the first moment they were introduced to the world.
He was so lovingly proud, and also completely self-deprecating -- the markings of what will be an amazing Dad.
I stopped dead in my tracks because never have I seen such a high-profile view of me and many other Dads I know. I looked at that television and I saw myself, finally.
What we often see and hear about fathers are accounts of disengaged, disconnected, disoriented dads who put themselves and their career and interests ahead of everything else. Dads who can't change diapers or cook a proper meal to save their lives. The dads I know are quite the contrary. They are in partnership with their partners actively raising their children together. And in some cases, alone.
Prince William is ushering in a whole new era of recognition for fathers -- dads who are actively involved in the raising of our children. Dads who grocery shop, run errands, schedule doctor's appointments, attend PTO meetings, clean up after scrapes and yes, play ball once in awhile.
Dads who are, well, dads.
We can thank Prince William for that. And while he may have a lot of help along the way, given his lot in life, he clearly is going to be raising George, hand in hand with Kate. Quite an inspiration for those of us going through it ourselves.
The age of the Royal Dad has begun, and I am thankful for it.