Essays on Fatherhood

"My wife and I have a close relationship with a few of Jim Sherman's children. We've had the privilege of spending a weekend up on Maple Ridge to witness the interaction between Jim and his family. I have personally been a benefactor of his wisdom through stories and have seen the product of his life's lessons in real-life scenarios as he so eloquently shares in these essays. As a father of three and Jim's friend, I can say that these essays are useful, interesting, helpful, and entertaining. I'm thankful that he has decided to share this with the world." -Kelley Bremer, Business Owner

"Growing up as Jim Sherman's son, I am both the subject and recipient of many of his fatherhood stories. The more humorous have been retold to family and friends over the years to the point that the entire family can tell them with as much gusto and embellishment as the original storyteller. Reading them as a collection for the first time, I see the impact the underlying principles have had on me as a parent and as a man. Read these essays. Laugh along with us. More importantly, ponder the wisdom contained as you strive to live your life fully." -Chris Sherman

Written by a practicing pediatrician, Essays on Fatherhood is an insight into author James Sherman's experiences and lessons learned over many years of parenting eight children. With a 40-year perspective, it reflects on early decisions made and directions taken, with the realization that a different decision might have been made, if only James had known. It is sometimes amusing, sometimes sad, sometimes confounding, sometimes trivial, and sometimes profound. And overarching all else, there is a clear message that while parenting is the most difficult job of all, it is the most rewarding!

Readers will have the opportunity to share in James's parenting journey, and they can also learn wisdom for their own parenting decisions. Readers who have struggles with their children's choices, with the emotional upheaval of adolescence, or with the uncertainty of how to protect their children while allowing them to gain independence can find comfort in the common journey of a father and pediatrician who has shared those experiences.