My twin brother and I moved to the Ranch in 7th grade, needing a change in environment and someone to lead us down the right path. I didn’t know that I would become one of the luckiest children on the Ranch by being one of the first kids in Mike and Paige Tucker’s home. Growing up without your biological father is tough, but I was lucky that my housedad (Pop), Mike Tucker, was always there to show me the basics when I was young. The hardest parts of growing up were the teenage years and then becoming a young adult. The Ranch was a great place to grow up. There were fields for sports, a basketball court, two lakes to fish, and countless other activities that all young boys need in life, but there were rules for everyone to help set them on the right path. These rules and guidelines helped me grow into the man I am today: learning to do chores and doing them right the first time or doing them until they’re right, learning honorable habits from table etiquette to how you should treat a lady, caring about academics and changing your life’s path through setting goals, respecting every human being and supremely, respecting the Lord. These teachings provided training for fatherhood by modeling everything I needed to know in life so that, now, I am able to pass these qualities on to my child.
When Thorin was born, I told him I would be there no matter what because I didn’t want him to go through life without his father as I did.
Every night before bed, my son and I share a special time together as we read the Bible. This simple ritual has deepened our bond and allowed me the incredible opportunity to lead him to Christ. At just 8 years old, his excitement about Jesus is contagious, and it consumes me with joy. The moment I guided him in his faith journey was a milestone for both of us, and now he is eagerly looking forward to his baptism. Each day, I ask him, "Who loves you the most in the world?" His response warms my heart, as he enthusiastically includes God, Jesus, the angels, and me in his answer. I couldn't be prouder to be his father and witness his love for Jesus grow.
Over the past two years, we've spent countless hours playing baseball together. I’ve had the privilege of coaching him during both the Fall and Spring seasons. His hard work and determination on the field inspire me, and I cherish the moments spent coaching him and his friends. In addition to baseball, I have taken on the role of wrestling coach for the past three years. My son has embraced this new challenge wholeheartedly, finishing his first full wrestling season with an impressive record of 28-6. He has either won or placed as runner-up in most of the tournaments, and his enthusiasm for wrestling is evident. He loves being the son of a wrestling coach and enjoys spending time with all the wrestlers, reveling in the camaraderie and excitement.
As we transition from all-star baseball this summer to football and fall baseball, I am grateful for the time we get to spend together. My son feels a sense of pride and popularity in our community; with me being a teacher and a coach, he enjoys the recognition that comes with it. Reflecting on my own upbringing at Big Oak Ranch, I am thankful for the lessons I learned there about what truly matters as a parent. The values instilled in me at the Ranch have shaped the way I model love and support for my son. I firmly believe that Big Oak Ranch changes every child for the better, and it remains one of the most significant experiences of my life. I feel incredibly lucky to pass on those invaluable lessons to my son as we navigate this beautiful journey of life together.
The lucky one,
Dominic McMath
Dominic and Thorin at an Atlanta Braves game
Dominic baptizing Thorin
Dominic coaching Thorin at one of his baseball games
Dominic's son, Thorin, in his football uniform
Dominic's family supporting Thorin at his baptism
Dominic & Thorin at school
