Mighty Dads News Letter 

Reconnecting and Strengthening Our Village

When I founded Mighty Dads, my vision went far beyond a simple group or newsletter it was about building a true community where fathers can come together and recreate the "village" that supports us all. Chances are, if you're reading this, we've already shared meaningful moments, whether skiing, relaxing by the pool, celebrating birthdays, or just hanging out at each other's homes. These shared experiences have not only brought us closer but also made us a part of a larger, supportive community. You've welcomed me and my kids, and for that, I'm genuinely grateful.

Challenge of the Week:

Reach out to another dad. Invite someone for coffee, send a quick text, or share a story. And if something memorable happens, I'd love to hear about it. Don't hesitate to share your experiences with the community, as it's these stories that truly bring us together.

Looking Ahead: Pushing Boundaries

I want to be upfront: I'm going to keep pushing boundaries. Mighty Dads isn't just about hanging out; it's about improving our lives, our families, and our neighborhoods. In this section, I'll be sharing upcoming initiatives and opportunities for you to get involved and make a difference in our community. I'll be asking you to get involved where you can. And, listen, if you don't have the time, I understand entirely. We're all busy, and our first job is to be present with our families. But here's what I'd like to know: what matters most to you? Would you like more opportunities to volunteer together? Do you want to challenge the city council or state lawmakers to improve our communities? Do you want to see laws changed to better support families? It is your community as much as it is mine. Mighty Dads can stay simple or we can make our voices heard in bigger ways

The Simple Start: Parks & Coffee

Join us every other Saturday at the park for a relaxed meetup with coffee, laughter, and endless possibilities! These gatherings are perfect for connecting, sharing stories, and building a strong community. Let the kids play while we chat about parenting, home projects, sports, or new hobbies like rocket launching. It's all about supporting each other, no strings attached. Know someone who'd enjoy this? Invite them to join our WhatsApp group or newsletter. Everyone's welcome!

/ I would like to introduce Nic Geman, an exceptional individual and devoted father, who has played a pioneering role as the driving force behind our inaugural advertising partner..

What I'm Reading: Bitcoin Billionaire

Recently, I picked up Bitcoin Billionaire by Ben Mezrich. I came away with more than just a story about money and technology; it gave me a deeper understanding of blockchain, cryptocurrency, and how rapidly technology can reshape the world. One of my favorite moments is when the Winklevoss twins, Cameron and Tyler, seek advice from their father. He doesn't just offer business wisdom; he provides a fatherly perspective that shapes how they move forward. It reminded me how much a father's influence matters, even when kids are grown and making bold moves of their own. The book also highlights the strength of the twins' bond. Their trust and shared experiences make them resilient partners. Reading this made me reflect on my own family. My brother is eight years older, and by the time I was still in school, he was already married and starting his career. Our relationship has always felt more distant. That contrast made me appreciate even more the closeness of the twins and challenged me to think about how I can build deeper bonds with my own kids and community.

The Reluctant Cup: A Modern Parable

Lance sat in his Jeep like a man on death row, staring at the coffee shop door. His black coffee steamed in the overpriced Yeti, bitter enough to match his mood. Why am I even here? He took a sip, scorched his tongue, and cursed under his breath. Figures. Fifty bucks for a glorified thermos that doubles as a torture device. Through the window, he could see them a cluster of dads laughing around a table like it was the easiest thing in the world. Great. a support group for men with free time. Lucky them. I barely get five minutes to myself, and I'm about to waste it pretending to care about some guy's lawn mower. His phone buzzed, cracked screen flickering to life, Lance, are you coming? We've got a seat for you. Of course. Guilt. Works every time. He shoved the Jeep door open and stepped into the Colorado morning the crisp air bit at his face, like it was mocking him. Oh, look at me, I'm autumn in Colorado. Write a poem about my colors, why don't you? As he neared the door, a poster for pumpkin spice lattes smiled back at him. He sneered. Fake pumpkin. Fake flavor. Fake life. Who buys this garbage? The door creaked open, bells jingling their cheerful little tune. Lance grimaced. Perfect. Now everyone gets to look at the late guy, exactly what I wanted. "Lance! Over here! We're so glad you came," said Cam, waving him over. "I think my invite reached over twenty people, but it's just us five today. Between soccer games and family plans, it can be hard for us to get away even on weekends "I'm glad I could make it," Lance lied, delivering his best Oscar worthy performance. After the awkward introductions, he realized these guys weren't total strangers to his world. One of them played pickleball at his park. Another knew his daughter by name. Huh. Small world. Wow, he thought, I'm missing more than I realized. For the first time that morning, Lance felt his guard drop. He wasn't thrilled to be there but he also wasn't dreading it anymore. Maybe what he needed wasn't another cup of bitter coffee, but to start showing up for his family, and maybe even for himself.

Flipping the script

Caring for My Dad

I carry many good memories of my family growing up, especially the care and love I received from my parents. One that sticks with me happened in 1993, my sophomore year of high school. I came down with the flu, high fevers, vomiting, and completely knocked out. I remember waking in the middle of the night, drenched in sweat, when my dad came into my room. Without a word, he helped me out of my soaked shirt and into something fresh. That quiet act of love stuck with me. Fast forward to September 30, 2025: I'm on my second trip to St. Louis to help take care of my dad. He's suffering from a condition that causes fluid on his brain, affecting his balance and cognition. After many falls, my siblings and I decided he could no longer live alone. Helping him with simple tasks such as getting dressed and moving safely has been heartbreaking. He hates feeling dependent, and I can hardly blame him. By the evening of my first day, I realized our roles had changed. The student has become the caregiver. And while it's hard to embrace, I know this is what family is for. Where would he be without his children? Where would I be in life without him? Its a honor to serve him and I am thankful that he has allowed me to care for him.

As I find myself reflecting on the cycle of life and the inevitable shifts in family dynamics. The love and care my dad once showed me are now being reciprocated, and while it's a challenging transition, it's also a profound reminder of the bonds that hold us together. Each day brings new challenges, but also opportunities to express gratitude and love in ways I never anticipated. As I help him navigate this difficult chapter, I am reminded of the strength and resilience that family provides, and I am grateful

Spotlight: The Sandwich Generation

You might have heard the term "sandwich generation." It refers to people who are taking care of their children and their aging parents at the same time. For many dads, this isn't just a term it's their everyday reality.

Here's what it looks like: approximately 42 million Americans are caring for an adult over 50, and 40% of these caregivers are men. The average age of a male caregiver is 52 right in the thick of parenting and elder care.

The impact is heavy: almost 24 hours a week spent caregiving, nearly half dipping into savings or debt, and 1 in 5 reporting poor health.

That's why Mighty Dads matters we don't just share coffee, we share the weight of seasons like this.

Invitation: If you're part of the sandwich generation, consider sharing your experiences in our next meetup. Chances are, another dad will nod and say, "Me too." Closing At the end of the day, Mighty Dads is about showing up whether that's meeting for coffee, sharing wisdom, or just rolling dice around a game table. Every connection strengthens the village we're building for ourselves and our kids.

October Events

• Coffee at the Park – Oct 18th 9:30 Park TBD ( Let me know if you have a park in mind)

• Poker Night – October 10th 5:30pm
  A friendly buy in, plenty of laughs, and a good excuse for dads to hang out. Reach out for the location

• Nick’s Garden Fall Festival – Oct 11th 1:00pm
  A family favorite! Pumpkins, hayrides, and fall fun for the kids. We’ll lock in the date soon.

• Fantasy Football League – In Full Swing
  Drafts are done, the season is rolling, and bragging rights are already on the line.

Got Ideas? Let’s Make It Happen

Thanks for reading and strive to be mighty

Jason Townsend