Issue link: https://fredparent.uberflip.com/i/133124
How Ray Milano Parents By CHRIS JoNES F atherhood changes you. In Genesis, Enoch lived 65 years before having his first son, Methuselah. Then he walked with God. It's irrelevant whether you believe the story to be true or not; the fact is that no matter what stage a man is in his life, fatherhood is his ultimate measuring stick. It alters a man's course forever. At 19, Ray Milano was working as a kitchen manager and living in Vienna, Va. when he learned that he was going to be a dad. Now 33, Milano lives in the Fredericksburg area and is a successful entrepreneur, amateur bodybuilder and most important, an attentive single dad to 14-year-old Christian Avila. Fredericksburg Parent: What went through your head when you found out you were going to be a father? Ray Milano: When I found out I was going to be a father, I was a freaked out! At the time, taking care of myself was hard enough, so the thought of being responsible for someone else's life was overwhelming. There was never a doubt in my mind. I was going to be a great father and I would do whatever it took to accomplish that. FP: What was it like to hold Christian for the first time? RM: It was a surreal experience to hold Christian for the first time. I was so nervous. He was so tiny—5lbs 14oz to be exact—but nothing would have kept me from holding him in my arms. I would just stare at him, looking at all the little details in his face, and good lord, he had a thick head of hair. 12 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • June 2013 FP: What is your definition of fatherhood? RM: Fatherhood can be put as simply as to raise a child, but for me, it is the greatest gift and it comes with the biggest responsibility life offers. Fatherhood is the most important thing in a man's life. How we raise them directly impacts society. We must lead by example, challenge them and show them that failing is part of the process to succeed. FP: Being a single father, why is important to active in Christian's life? RM: As a single Dad, I've always focused on strengthening the bond I have with Christian. I am not able to see him every day, so I make the most of our visits. We do things in a big way. I believe the best way I can influence Christian in a short amount of time we have together is through a very strong bond.