Thanks, Dad: a T-shirt contest
by Rachel Sarah
Filed under All
If you’ve been visiting Singlemommyhood for any length of time, then you know that we’re NOT just about moms. We openly welcome fathers, step-fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers… And that’s why we’re hosting an end-of-summer “Thanks, Dad” contest.
We got the chance to chat with Tom Kiddoo — the creative guru behind these ‘Thanks, Dad‘ T-shirts — to hear about how his own father inspired him to start his business. Tom’s father owned four restaurants and taught school full-time, but, at the end of the day, he always had time for his kids.
As Tom got older, their relationship grew stronger. “My dad would drop anything just to talk on the phone, even if it was just a quick hello,” he says.
So, when Tom’s dad was diagnosed in 2007 with myelofibrosis — a rare bone marrow disorder that ultimately reduces the body’s ability to produce oxygen carrying blood cells — he was devastated. Just over six months after the diagnosis, Tom’s father passed away at age 65.
Tom — who was the 37-year-old father of three kids — tells us: “I was devastated. After losing my Dad, I spent the next 17 days straight working 12+ hours a day to catch up at work. On the 18th day, I quit my job.”
He couldn’t stop thinking about his father. So, after his kids went to bed every night, “I spent an hour or so in the yard ‘talking’ with my father and reminiscing. I was able to process a lot of the anger and regret. Soon, I found myself holding onto gratitude. I felt very thankful for who my father was to me. I began ending those nighttime reveries with ‘Thanks Dad’.”
“This is why I started selling t-shirts,” Tom explains. And his T-shirts are catching on, including Nickelodeon celebrities, such as Tom Kenney, the voice of Sponge Bob Squarepants, shown here with Tom:
Tom has offered to give away one T-shirt to a father at Singlemommyhood. Maybe you’re a father who would proudly wear it.. or, perhaps you’ll win the T-shirt for your own father/step-father/brother/uncle/someone who’s been there for you . . . . SO many possibilities!
‘Thanks Dad’ T-shirts are made solely in the USA from 100% cotton. They carry all sizes, from child to extra-large adult. They also come in six colors.
Ready to enter? Please tell us:
Who in your life deserves “Thanks, Dad”? (We’d love to hear your story.)
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Please visit the Thanks, Dad site here
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Twitter @ http://mommasunshine.wordpress.com
I would love to give one of these t-shirts to my man, CBG, on behalf of his 4 year old son, who loves his dad like crazy, but doesn’t always possess the know-how to express it. It would be great to be able to help his son give it to his daddy….
Momma Sunshine´s last blog ..Happiness Is…
Twitter @ tailgatingtimes
That is a great story. I think he needs to add a few designs…baseball and BBQ as a start.
My mom deserves all the thanks in my life. Her selfless example of single parenting made me the man I am today and continues to give me strength for the challenges of being a single dad.
SDMktg: Way too modest. We happen to know that YOU are a great “Thanks Dad” type dad.
Twitter @ coopersmommy
My husband deserves a Thanks, Dad tee. He takes care of our family every day and never complains! He is amazing! Thanks for the chance.
Kristyn Martin´s last blog ..Alphabet Photography Review & Giveaway
My Dad deserves one. He has always been there for me and is doing SO much since my ex abandoned the house, kids and I. I love my Dad and am thankful my children have such a role model for their Papa!
Twitter @ iswirls
Actually I have a friend that is a single dad. He has 5 children. One is adopted, but his ex-wife isn’t in the picture and is 100% absent. He’s a great guy and dedicated father. He has the respect of everyone that knows him. Greg is my nominee. 
I hate tooting my own horn (well maybe not always). I wish someone would nominate me.
I would love to give one to my Dad. He stepped into my 10yr sons life 3 years ago when his father decided to step out. He takes him to football 3x a week, is teaching him all about carpentry as they finish our basement together and he watched him 5 days a week all summer so my son could stay home and not have to go to daycare or camps this year. He also helps me out around the house fixing things and changing hard to reach bulbs. lol. he is the best!
Twitter @ tailgatingtimes
Thanks Dr. Leah. One of the moms in my kids’ class just told me everyone last year said the same thing. I’m just doing my best for the kids.