A Father’s Love
On Father’s Day 2019, I chose to honor a dad that shined brightest on the biggest stage of the NBA Finals. In the midst of a playoff shooting slump the Toronto Raptor’s Fred VanVleet was catching public criticism. Prior to his son’s birth, he was clearly off his game, going 1-of-11 in Toronto’s double-overtime win in Game 3, and questions were being raised about whether he should be benched.
Personally, I am a risk taker, who lives for a good adrenaline rush. The biggest rush of my life was at the birth of each of my four children. That is why I understand completely the turn of events that took place in Fred VanVleet after experiencing the birth of his son.
It all started following the birth of his son while in the Eastern Conference Finals in Milwaukee. In the 105-99 Game 5 victory over the Bucks, this super-sub followed up his 13-point effort in the previous game with a dazzling 21-point performance, becoming the first player in Raptors’ franchise history to make seven or more three-pointers off the bench.
When asked for his formula, VanVleet replied: “Zero sleep, have a baby, and go out there and let loose.”
The Superdad was only getting started as he put his superman cape on over and over again hitting big shot after big shot late in the shot clock on his way to becoming a World Champion. Where did this incredible level of toughness come from?
VanVleet, who had a tough upbringing after his father was slain in a drug deal when he was only 5, put his toughness on display in Game 4 when his head was cut requiring seven stitches. He also lost part of a tooth, yet he returned to the bench soon after.
A Step Dad’s Love made all the difference! Click Here to read more! Joe Danforth, a Rockford, Illinois police officer became Fred’s new father. “I think God put us all together for a reason,” said Danforth. Joe was determined to help his boys avoid the trap that waited for them in Rockford. If you read the article I tagged above, you will see how tough Joe was on Fred and his brothers. Love in the form of discipline and establishing an uncommon work ethic is very uncommon today. At the time, Fred did not understand or enjoy his new father’s love, but as time passed Fred’s perspective changed. “It all makes sense now,” VanVleet said he told his stepdad. “Now I understand why you pushed me so hard. I wouldn’t be here without you. I Love You.”
While at Wichita State Fred not only helped take the Shockers to another level, he also made a difference when nobody else was looking. My assistant coach worked one of the Shocker’s summer basketball camps. He said that VanVleet was amazing when working with kids. Many athletes are not motivated to take the time with the young athletes. Not Fred, he was amazing with the kids. Instead of spending time on his phone like most of the athletes, VanVleet would spend every moment he could pouring into the campers. Sounds like an incredible father to me.
I understand the power of becoming a father. I was told I could not have children after two difficult miscarriages, so when I heard my son’s heartbeat for the first time, it changed everything for me. So when VanVleet’s on switch came on after struggling so much prior to the birth of his son, it made complete sense to me. There is nothing like the power of a Father’s Love.
Our Heavenly Father showed us all just how much He loved each of us by giving us the greatest gift of all-time. God allowed his Son to die because He loved His adopted children just as much as He loved His own son Jesus. No greater love has ever been demonstrated!
Happy Father’s Day to all of you. On this Father’s Day 2019, Don’t forget the best gift ever given.