In 2019, I became a dad. It’s been the most rewarding job I've ever had.
And it's changed my life in ways I never even thought were possible.
If you traveled back in time and told Jonathan — who was in his workshop covered in sawdust, grease, and band-aids — that he would be playing Barbies, wearing a unicorn headband, and covered in glitter…
He wouldn’t have believed you.
But being the single-father to a sweet little princess-obsessed girl also has its benefits in the workshop.
She has shown an incredible interest in making things, whether it's building animals out of construction paper or helping me make the helper stool that we came out with a few months ago.
One of our favorite things to do is to come to the workshop after hours and take all the boxes, turn them into a fort, order dinner, and watch movies in some crazy castle concoction she came up with.
She’s young, so the things we make are simple. But I can see in the future that we're going to get to make all sorts of things.
I really look forward to science fairs and projects because I know for a FACT that no teacher is ever going to believe she made anything she brings in.
When she was about two years old, she told me in broken English that she wanted an apron like mine. So, six months later, we released the Katz-Moses Children's Apron, so she could have an apron “just like Daddy,” as she says.
I have a vintage, hard-to-find Stanley Number One hand plane that she calls “Layla's plane,” and my workshop is littered with tools she loves.
She loves to spend time banging plugs into holes with her her very own Katz-Moses Chisel Mallet, or putting glue on things and just using my impact driver to drive screws into a board. She has her own earplugs, eye protection, and everything a kid could want in a workshop.
As I reflect about parenthood and what it means to me in what I do for a living, I couldn't be more excited for what's to come.
Because I know that regardless of what path she chooses in life, we will always have fond memories in the shop.
I know that for all of you woodworkers out there, whether you're a parent or not, being in the shop is special. And sharing that time with your kids just makes it all that much more fun.
So on this Father's Day, I hope that you get to spend some time with your kids doing something you love together. Whether that's in the workshop, outside, or just watching a movie.
To all the dads out there, Happy Father's Day. And don't forget…
STAY SAFE IN THE SHOP!
12 comments
Anonymous
Really great that you are getting experience fatherhood. I, too, was a single father from the time my little girl was 2. She just got married this past Labor Day to a good man who I believe will care for her heart almost as well as I did 😉 I wish all the best for you as you navigate fatherhood and all the challenges and rewards it brings. Hold on tightly, because it goes by so fast.
Also wanted to say thank you for all your hard work on the shop and bringing your passion to those who aspire to create things. You have taught me a lot. Thank you.
Really great that you are getting experience fatherhood. I, too, was a single father from the time my little girl was 2. She just got married this past Labor Day to a good man who I believe will care for her heart almost as well as I did 😉 I wish all the best for you as you navigate fatherhood and all the challenges and rewards it brings. Hold on tightly, because it goes by so fast.
Also wanted to say thank you for all your hard work on the shop and bringing your passion to those who aspire to create things. You have taught me a lot. Thank you.
Jack
Happy Father’s day. I sure miss doing working with my dad. Stepson is just into it.
Happy Father’s day. I sure miss doing working with my dad. Stepson is just into it.
Stephen Collins
I’m so glad that you and Layla have this constructive (pun intended) and loving relationship. I struggled to know my daughter when she was small – I didn’t know how to relate to her. Now she is grown, left home, and works as an educator, so she’s not making anything with me, but I have a fabulous relationship with her, and I’m proudly watching her grow into what I hope will be a glittering career.
Know there will be tough times, but that you will get through them. Keep being the best Dad you can be, and you’ll keep that relationship forever.
I’m so glad that you and Layla have this constructive (pun intended) and loving relationship. I struggled to know my daughter when she was small – I didn’t know how to relate to her. Now she is grown, left home, and works as an educator, so she’s not making anything with me, but I have a fabulous relationship with her, and I’m proudly watching her grow into what I hope will be a glittering career.
Know there will be tough times, but that you will get through them. Keep being the best Dad you can be, and you’ll keep that relationship forever.
Anonymous
Life is the job that comes with a blessing – or two!
Belated blessed Father’s Day Mr KM and family!
Life is the job that comes with a blessing – or two!
Belated blessed Father’s Day Mr KM and family!
Kelly carrington
Jonathan,
I was in the shop working away for something for my 3 boys on Father’s Day and you are right, a tear May have come. It is the silent things that involved fathers do for the family that make the difference. You do not get the time back, so take the time. 👊🏾♥️
Jonathan,
I was in the shop working away for something for my 3 boys on Father’s Day and you are right, a tear May have come. It is the silent things that involved fathers do for the family that make the difference. You do not get the time back, so take the time. 👊🏾♥️
Denny
Happy Father’s Day Jonathan. I watched your video with your daughter and was impressed. What a beautiful gift God has given you. Being a Dad is one one of the most special things you will ever have. Take it from me who has experienced not only being a dad but a grandfather and a great grandfather. It never gets old.
Happy Father’s Day Jonathan. I watched your video with your daughter and was impressed. What a beautiful gift God has given you. Being a Dad is one one of the most special things you will ever have. Take it from me who has experienced not only being a dad but a grandfather and a great grandfather. It never gets old.
Richard Breininger
Thanks for sharing this special message. Both of my boys are grown, live out of state and have kids of their own. I don’t get to see them often enough. My dad is passed and I miss him terribly. We spent many hours on handyman projects and I learned many of my skills from him. I have my own woodworking business now after my military career.
Thanks for sharing this special message. Both of my boys are grown, live out of state and have kids of their own. I don’t get to see them often enough. My dad is passed and I miss him terribly. We spent many hours on handyman projects and I learned many of my skills from him. I have my own woodworking business now after my military career.
Ryan
Having two boys, one graduating from Marine Corps boot camp this week and the younger one just graduated from high school and on his way to college in a few months on a full scholarship, this video really touched at my heartstrings.
You’ll make so many memories with your daughter. Having shared experiences in the shop or anywhere are so precious. Thank you for sharing this and for all you do for the woodworking community. You’re a true class act.
Having two boys, one graduating from Marine Corps boot camp this week and the younger one just graduated from high school and on his way to college in a few months on a full scholarship, this video really touched at my heartstrings.
You’ll make so many memories with your daughter. Having shared experiences in the shop or anywhere are so precious. Thank you for sharing this and for all you do for the woodworking community. You’re a true class act.
Leither
Being a dad is great.
Being dad to a little girl is something truly special. You will remember these days forever.
Happy Father’s Day Jonathan! Enjoy
Being a dad is great.
Being dad to a little girl is something truly special. You will remember these days forever.
Happy Father’s Day Jonathan! Enjoy
rob earl
Touching message. Being a Dad is special, and if you’re really fortunate, you’ll also know the special joy of being a Grandfather. All the best, Rob
Touching message. Being a Dad is special, and if you’re really fortunate, you’ll also know the special joy of being a Grandfather. All the best, Rob
Steve
Beautiful video and a lovely, thoughtful gift you made. Thanks for sharing. Happy Father’s Day brother!
Beautiful video and a lovely, thoughtful gift you made. Thanks for sharing. Happy Father’s Day brother!
Alan
Happy Father’s Day Jonathan!
Happy Father’s Day Jonathan!