"EXCITING, INSPIRATIONAL AND MOST ADMIRED, HE IS A LEADING AND TRUSTED AUTHORITY ON RAISING CHILDREN. OUR RESPECT FOR HIM IS BOUNDLESS."
Jill and Ali, daughters of the author
"HIS WISDOM GUIDES OUR LIVES. HIS PASSION, ACUMEN, AND INTELLIGENCE MOTIVATE US TO BE MORE LIKE HIM. HE IS A TRUE 'WARRIOR-POET.'"
Ben and Nick, sons of the author
"HE'S AN IDIOT, BUT I LOVE HIM. HIS BEST ADVICE TO OUR CHILDREN: 'DUST YOURSELF OFF, RUB SOME DIRT ON IT, AND GET BACK IN THE GAME.'"
Beth, wife of the author (obviously)
"WE TAKE LONG WALKS. HE PLAYS WITH ME."
Rooney, dog of the author
Okay, except for my wife's and my dog's verbatim quotes, these assessments are counterfeit. In my wildest of optimistic dad dreams-or in my children's most sardonic ones-these are the words I yearn to hear.
What I Know (so far) is a collection of perspectives, opinions, and observations I have previously dispensed to my children or contemplated on their behalf. As a seasoned, but ever-hopeful pragmatist dad, I'm not terribly confident they paid attention the first (second or third) times I've said them. Sometimes/Oftentimes, I feel like the proverbial fallen tree in the woods. Did my children understand what I said? Did they even listen? Did I at least make a loud, discordant thud?
Ultimately, I view this book as a testament and as a gift to my children. They should know three things: 1) Dad was here. 2) Lead a good and well-lived life. 3) Abundantly and ten-to-the-nth-power tenfold, I love them. I offer this on behalf of our shared hugs and smiles, and on behalf of the tears I have shed for them and with them.
ANTHONY RONDEAU is a forever dad, husband, uncle, son, brother, cousin, friend, Big Brother, first-time author, and enduring observer of life. Though it is possible to uncover he is married and has four kids, it would be impossible to know they are the center of his world. He readily admits he is not the sharpest bulb in the knife shed: "Modestly, my cleverness surpasses my intelligence because I am unafraid to be passionate, I am undaunted by mistakes I will certainly continue to make, and I am brave enough to relentlessly ask questions until I understand. I constantly challenge my children to understand the crowd before they follow it, to discover personal motivations, to stand up for their beliefs, and to be as proud of themselves as I am of them."
