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Tales from the Dad Side
Richard J. Stephens lives in Carter County and is the father of three little ladies ranging in age from nine to 29. His experiences being a single parent, co-parent, and leader, provide a unique perspective to a wide array of issues families face in our modern times. Fulfilling roles as a youth director, elected mayor, educator, county sheriff and business owner adds to his experiences and bolsters his light-hearted approach to life. Tales from the Dad Side is a journey depicted through one man’s experiences penned through written stories and tales which modern families can relate to as they traverse this life.
Archives
- Old friendships foster new relationships (2/23/24)
- When you fall, get up (2/9/24)
- The power of words in young ears (2/2/24)
- Longing for acceptance (1/26/24)
- Sometimes recipes lie (1/12/24)
- Hard lessons are lessons learned (12/22/23)
- Shielding ourselves and each other (12/16/23)
- Blazing your own path through life (12/9/23)
- Keeping Thanksgiving in perspective (12/2/23)
- Keep running from the chickens, friends (11/25/23)
- Sometimes we need a moment alone (11/17/23)
- A character change: the inner ‘momma bear’ comes out (11/11/23)
- Fun is whatever you make it (11/4/23)
- A little persistence means everything (10/28/23)
- The reality of unexpected kindness (10/21/23)
- Just be you and spread your joy (10/14/23)
- Throwing out lifelines for everyone you can (10/7/23)
- Dancing through life like leaves (9/30/23)
- Remember to show yourself a little love (9/23/23)
- Pets — our wild auxiliary children (9/16/23)
- Struggling with nerves has no age limit (9/1/23)
- Our words are their guide (8/26/23)
- Patience leads to perspective (8/19/23)
- Trying new things expands old bonds (8/12/23)
- Learning new things about my children (8/5/23)
- Choose wisely how to use your time (7/29/23)
- Walk your own path (7/22/23)
- Trying new things can expand old bonds (7/15/23)
- Goodbyes are hard, but not forever (6/24/23)
- What makes living worthwhile? Loved ones, family (6/17/23)
- Scary things out in the woods (6/10/23)
- To those who extend protecting arms (6/3/23)
- A win-win attitude is always best (5/27/23)
- Growing through our experiences (5/20/23)
- Glimpses of change are arriving (5/6/23)
- Pride reciprocated one generation to another (4/29/23)
- Emptying the hose and clearing out emotions (4/22/23)
- Words to keep us going: ‘You Got This’ (4/15/23)
- Tired of smiling, but smiling on (4/8/23)
- Sniffing out gunpowder and donuts (3/25/23)
- Scary moments in time come from the mind (3/18/23)
- Returning the favor and embracing work (3/11/23)
- Friends come and go, but not forever (3/4/23)
- Lessons shared in how to never accept defeat (2/25/23)
- The old ways offer new lessons for all of us (2/18/23)
- Slow it down, take time to reflect (2/11/23)
- Unexpected gifts in unexpected grief (1/28/23)
- Teaching discernment (1/21/23)
- A good neighbor is a friend indeed (1/14/23)
- A joy renewed all because of smiles, happiness of others (1/7/23)
- Moments of humor and confusion (12/31/22)
- Believing in someone adds confidence (12/17/22)
- Giving thanks during this holiday season (12/11/22)
- Unconditional love on display in pets (12/3/22)
- ‘It’s OK to cry, Daddy’ (11/19/22)
- My daughter is my hero (11/12/22)
- The importance of knowing your worth (11/5/22)
- Finding enjoyment in the process (10/30/22)
- The pain of defeat is not permanent (10/22/22)
- Good deeds help build up treasures (10/15/22)
- The power of belief encourages children (10/8/22)
- Teaching the tough lessons hurts (10/1/22)
- We must understand our duties as a potter with our kids (9/24/22)
- Getting sidetracked is easy (and that’s a good thing) (9/16/22)
- You don’t always know the power of your influence (9/10/22)
- Stay committed in order to succeed in this world (9/3/22)
- Working through fear will help us in life (8/27/22)
- Children a source of never-ending inspiration (8/20/22)
- Take time to goof around with your loved ones (8/13/22)
- Tales from the Dad Side- Dark days without the internet (8/5/22)
- Teaching and learning how to be content where we are (7/29/22)
- When opportunity knocks, answer (7/23/22)
- Always enjoy the company of those you love (7/16/22)
- Lending a hand to safer waters (7/9/22)
- Parents: practice what we preach (7/2/22)
- Talking about young love (6/25/22)
- Finding joy in silence can be extremely rewarding (6/18/22)
- Life is a series of choices, all coming with ramifications (6/11/22)
- Teaching your children to survive is very important (6/4/22)
- Some things are just better left to others (5/28/22)
- Unlikely heroes often come from unexpected places (5/21/22)
- Run strong and refuse to give up (5/14/22)
- Take time to relax and breathe in life (5/7/22)
- The story of an inconvenient nest (4/30/22)
- Bumps, bruises and bumblebees (4/23/22)
- The compassion of a tiny candy smuggler (4/16/22)
- The reality of life revealed (4/9/22)
- Some thoughts about the fears of a father (4/2/22)
- Grab hold of the positive and hold on (3/26/22)
- We may get sidelined, or sidetracked, but it’s okay (3/19/22)
- Sometimes we get answers from unexpected places (3/12/22)
- Parents, don’t stress over small stuff (3/5/22)
- Lessons from swimming with the fishes (2/19/22)
- Value obtained from simpler things are priceless (1/29/22)
- Encouraging a joyful noise (1/22/22)
- Loving daughters reverse the roles (1/15/22)
- The Gift of Gab (1/8/22)
- The fine art of being a table (12/30/21)
- We are in control of destiny (12/24/21)
- Memories of the magical holiday season (12/18/21)
- Expecting the unexpected (12/4/21)
- Choose your Olympic moments (11/27/21)
- Unleash your individuality (11/19/21)
- There’s nothing like the joy of the simple things (11/13/21)