First-Time Dads Celebrate Father’s Day

It’s an extra special Father’s Day for new dads.

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By Lauren Maxwell
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Story Created: Jun 19, 2011 at 7:15 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Jun 19, 2011 at 7:15 PM AKDT

Being a father is a big job and a challenge for first timers. At the Alaska Native Medical Center, Lenny Henry is cradling his daughter Zianna. He’s a young dad who says he is ready to take on the challenge.

“Now I know how my mom feels,” says Henry, looking at his daughter with love.
He’s excited to take her back home to Kotzebue to meet her many aunties and uncles.

Just down the hall from Henry is Derreck Howell from Sitka. His daughter Averyana is a second child but his very first girl.

“As soon as I found out she was a girl I just got goosebumps. I can't explain it,” says Howell, “It was just the best feeling I could ever have. I never changed a girl diaper and it just came right to me and I was like wow I didn’t expect that!”

His advice for being a dad on this special day is to be available for your child and love them the best you can.

That advice is also echoed by Geoff Diehl of Kodiak who spent his Father’s Day in the neonatal intensive care unit with his new daughter Meadow.

“I was telling my wife that it was really a great Father’s Day because she's a preemie and she’s doing really well,” says Diehl. “That made me happy.”

Meadow is thriving despite arriving five weeks early and Diehl says there could be no better present on this or any Father’s Day.

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