Mark LaMaster’sprofessional work has transformed over time. Once a flight nurse for Mayo One, today he works part-time in a more traditional nursing setting. He finds the consistent daytime hours allow him to leave his work at work and be fully present at home.
This part-time nurse/all-the-time dad is also a busy writer. Mark’s new book, "Friday Night Lights for Fathers and Daughters" (available May 23) uses the format of a television series with each section of the book presented as an "episode." Fathers and daughters thus have a script and ideas to direct their time together. The target audience is fathers with tween and young teen daughters.
Similar to his 2015 publication, "Friday Night Lights for Fathers and Sons," which follows a sports theme, Mark’s goal remains the same: to connect fathers and their children. "Kids grow fast; time is finite. I want to make the most of it," Mark says.
Not only does Mark want to be a good father, he wants his writing to guide other fathers. He has found our community lacking in opportunities and activities fathers, while, conversely, rich in resources for mothers.
Although Mark’s primary focus is writing about fatherhood and parenting, he has provided support for dads via online coaching. He continues to explore other ways to connect dads. Whether he creates a dad’s version of MOPS or sets up a six-week in-person seminar for fathers, Mark hopes to establish a network of opportunities for dads in the Rochester area.
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Mark wants his faith-based ideas to encourage fathers to establish lasting, meaningful relationships with their children. Whether parenting a son or a daughter, Mark’s target audience is the dads. And his ultimate goal is "let’s do fatherhood together instead of in isolation."
Willow Creek eighth grader Hannah LaMasterplayed a pivotal role in the book. Not only is she Mark’s daughter, she also contributed her thoughts and ideas to each "episode." Hannah hopes that including her teen-girl perspective will make the concepts more "meaningful."
Her favorite episode is "Waffles to Wi-Fi," as she loves having breakfast with her dad, just the two of them. Hannah believes that setting aside time creates opportunities to talk, which in turn strengthens relationships. She says without dedicated time, "it’s hard to get to know each other."
Hannah knows her dad is committed to his job as a father and she is enjoying the rewards of his dedication. She fondly recalls the time he surprised her at an "away" cross-country meet. Not only did she have an unexpected fan cheering for her, but her dad brought her favorite food (Jimmy John’s), too. A perfect example of Mark’s message: "Give the gift of yourself to your kids."
