Dads find role model in Joseph

   While browsing through Angel’s Prayer Gift Shop, one of my favorite hangouts, I took note of a statue of Joseph holding the infant Jesus. It brought back memories of my youth when I was surrounded by just as many images of Jesus with Joseph as with Mary. A quick surf on the Internet brought up dozens of works of art, including some of Jesus working with Joseph in his carpentry shop. Nothing unusual for the time. Nothing unusual for centuries when tradesmen worked at home where their children could hang out with them. Now, with most men driving off to their workplace, the “stay-at-home” dad is not so common.

   However, for some dads, that’s what works.

   Sean Casey, of Lilburn, is a writer. His wife, Chris, is a physician at the Center for Disease Control. When their first child was born they agonized over their disastrous interviews with potential nannies. Finally, Casey’s wife asked if he would please stay home with the baby.

   “No problem,” said Casey. Even though the time he spent on his lucrative writing career plummeted from “100% to 4%,” he believes this was the best decision he could have made. 

   “It’s not much different from being a stay-at-home mom, but I don’t do a lot of arts and crafts. I’m not into glitter and Modge Podge, but we do a lot together,” said Casey, the Books Alive coordinator for Lionheart Theater. His children Sam, age 10 and Dorey, age 7, perform with him in productions like Green Eggs and Ham.

   Carl Tiegreen, also of Lilburn, finds being a stay-at-home dad works perfectly into his family life. His wife is a state mental health administrator and he is a professional musician. For now, with two young children at home, he cares for them all day and teaches guitar at night. He also performs in three bands and had produced a Yoga DVD for children.

   “Another advantage,” Casey said, “is that we have far more influence on their spiritual life. I help them to learn scripture and I am there all day to model how man should act.”

   Tiegreen, whose wife works late hours, agrees. “I take them to Wednesday night church and it’s good time together.

   Both dads agree that a stay-at-home dad must have a good bond with his wife and that it’s not for everybody.

   “We should all do what we are called to do,” said Casey. “St. Joseph was obedient to God. He took his family to Egypt. He did what he had to do to take care of his family. If I had to work in a factory to take care of my family, that’s what I would do. I can’t believe how blessed I am that this is what works for me.” 

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