Failing At Fatherhood

“The day my daughter Marley was born, I went straight to the nursery and held her for well over two hours. I just held her and cried because I had never experienced such a love for anyone or anything in my life.

I think the nurses thought I was crazy because eventually they told me I needed to go be with my wife. Three days later, before we left the hospital, the pediatric doctor told us she thought Marley might have Down syndrome.

My reaction: Are you freaking kidding me?

I immediately had a panic attack.”

Thus begins the brutally honest account of a new father who struggles with his faith, his family, and mostly himself as he comes to grips with the prospect of raising a child with a disability. The author, Jack Barr, does not hold anything back as he shares his questions and his pain. Through a process of understanding, love, prayer, faith, and support from others, the author’s perspective changes and he comes to realize the beautiful blessing that has been given to him and the privilege it is to be a father.

Failing at Fatherhood is indeed a book for the imperfect father and it will help any parent who may be struggling through a crisis of faith. By sharing Jack’s story, one will grow in their perspective on life and God so that they may better understand their own role as a parent and spouse.