10 Dads Who’d Move Mountains to See Their Kids Smile

Parents often go to great lengths to shield their children from life’s hardship. Whether it’s tackling tough situations or simply being a steady presence, their love shows in countless ways. We’ve put together 10 stories of devoted dads who’ve proven just how far they’ll go for their kids.

• My teenage daughter came home in tears. “Everyone at school has designer clothes, and I look like a joke,” she said. It stung to hear. I’m a single dad, and we can’t afford luxury brands. I decided to teach her a lesson: I drove her to a local thrift store. She frowned at the flickering lights and racks of mixed-up clothes.
  But halfway through, she gasped, “Dad! Isn’t this the bag Emma had?!” She clutched it like gold. And it was only $15. The next day, she came to me with a grin and said, “I told everyone it’s thrifted. Now the girls want to go with me next time.”

• My dad worked three jobs when I was little. One day, I found his old journal. Every page was filled with sketches of invention ideas he wanted to patent. He gave up his dreams of being an engineer to make sure I could go to college. © GlamorousDreamgirl / Reddit

• My dad never liked my fiancé, Jake. “I’m not coming to this wedding,” he said. I was devastated, but I didn’t push.
  But on the wedding day, I saw my dad rushing in. He looked pale and panicked. He pulled me aside and whispered, “Jake is lying to you. He has kids. I just talked to the mother.”
  My hands started shaking. I confronted Jake right away. He broke down and confessed, “It was before I met you. I didn’t want you to judge me.”
  Turns out, he wasn’t cheating — but he was hiding something that mattered. I didn’t cancel the wedding. But I didn’t go through with it either.
  We left separately, and I spent the day crying on my dad’s couch. He stood by my side, offering comfort and care, without ever making me feel judged or saying, “I warned you.”

• My mother died from cancer a month after I was born. Dad was a trucker, so he wasn’t around, and he couldn’t quit his job. Instead, his sister, my aunt, raised me. When I went to his house every other weekend, we’d always watch a movie til I fall asleep, then he’d lay me in bed.
  I’m 16 now. He retired around 6 years ago, but I still live with my aunt, because I don’t want to move schools. But he doesn’t mind. He makes it to all my band events, always offers a ride or to pay for something.
  When I visit, he gives me gas money when I’m ready to leave, so I don’t have to worry about it even if I say I’m fine. I’ve spent less time with him than my aunt, but I remember so much more about him because I know he truly cares. © YaHoomanFlame / Reddit

• My family was lower middle class when I was growing up. I barely saw my dad because he worked so many shifts, and he was barely at home because he had to do overtime almost every day of the week. When I was in 5th grade, he had to work overseas for better money, I only saw him for a total of 3 months in 5 years.
  He sacrificed his time with his kids, just so we could have what we had growing up. I know he regrets not having much time for us, but he did all that for his family. Things are great now though, we moved to where he was working, and he recently bought me a car. We can actually afford going on nice trips now. He is my hero. © Unknown author / Reddit

• My dad spent the whole weekend building soccer goals out of PVC pipe and landscaping netting for our backyard. Used them for years as we played almost every weekend. © boom_shaka_lakaa / Reddit

• I asked my dad to help me load an old tig welder into the back of my truck. It weighed around 300 pounds, and I really doubted we could get it loaded with even the two of us. We’re both muscular guys, and he’s my workout partner despite being almost 60.
  I couldn’t get a good grip anywhere to lift it, so he told me to move, then deadlifted it and threw it up in the bed by himself. I’ll never underestimate his old man strength again. © StoleUrGf / Reddit

• My dad took me out of school for a day while he was undergoing chemo to fly me down to Disneyland with him, and then fly back that night. Even though he was weak and tired, he wanted to have a day with me that I would remember forever, and I will always hold that as one of my best days. © TheGoldenRose / Reddit

• When my 29 y.o. dad found out my mom was pregnant with me, he sold his motorcycle. He wanted to be sure he was around to raise me. But now that I’m on my own, bought two motorcycles. Love him. © theyseemeknittin / Reddit

• My dad worked long, long hours, but still found time to come to all of my Little League baseball games. I was terrible at baseball, but he came anyway, cheering me on like I was the star of the team. © OriginalStomper / Reddit

Life isn’t just about dealing with challenges—it’s also about enjoying the little moments, and dads definitely have a unique way of bringing humor into everyday situations. Take a look at 16 Dads Who Posted the Sweetest and Funniest Stories About Their Kids.