Raising Cole: A Father's Story

Developing Life's Greatest Relationship, Embracing Life's Greatest Tragedy

By: Marc Pittman, Mark Wangrin - contributor

Narrated by: Marc Pittman

"This book is a roadmap for parents seeking to create a lasting relationship that can withstand the storms of life." (Max Lucado, best-selling author)

Marc Pittman, one of 16 children, is the son of a dirt-poor farmer who remains to this day the only man to ever knock Marc unconscious.

But when he had a son, Marc became the father he had always wanted to have. When seven-year-old Cole asked him about beer, Marc Pittman put down his can and never drank again. He told his boys everything, and they were honest with him in return. They unburdened their fears; told him their dreams; even admitted their sins. Despite the fact that his sons were star football players, they felt no shame in holding their father's hand in public. People told him he was lucky to have the relationship he did with his children, but Marc Pittman knew the truth - it wasn't luck, he worked at it every day.

And then his eldest son, Cole, was killed in a traffic accident on the way to football practice at the University of Texas. This book is the story not just of how Marc Pittman dealt with this tragedy but of the 21 years he lived with Cole and the lessons he learned about being a good father, a good friend, and a good man.

"A must read...Marc Pittman crosses the boundary and stigma of the tough guy and shows that while being very tough, you can also be very compassionate. This book will make you appreciate not every hour, but every second you spend with someone you love." (Mark Gastineau, former Pro Bowl defensive end, New York Jets)

©2004 Marc Pittman (P)2018 Marc Pittman

a must-read!

This truly was a phenomenal book I think the world could be a much better place if everyone would read this and take at least a little bit away from it. This is a great book for anyone in any point in their life. raising Cole a father's story is it perfect book to help someone who has lost a loved one or someone that just needs to learn a little bit about the world and how to deal. there are many great points that can be taken from Raising Cole, as well as many great lessons one could learn through these difficult but extraordinary times we are currently in. the narration of this book was also well done, Mark Pittman Federal made me feel like I was there through the story with his narration.

A Father's Love

Marc Pittman raised his two boys aggressively. Cole and Chase got tons of attention in the form of hugs, kisses, tough love, and dead man's talks.

Marc just tried to be the dad he wanted growing up. Growing up Marc was fearless. He courted death with crazy stunts like wrestling a bear. Running with a rough construction crowd, Marc didn't fear anything. Finally, he realized that he needed to heavily invest in his relationships with his sons. As Cole and Chase grew up, he used work as a reason to spend time together. As the boys grew up, they would have dead man's talks. The rules of dead man's talks were simple- when you tell a dead man a secret, he keeps it. A dead man doesn't panic or over-react when handed a secret. A dead man doesn't lecture or judge or get angry when they hear about secret mistakes or crimes. Marc built trust with his boys by holding their secrets, big and small, and never breaking their trust by breaking the rules of dead man's talks. Another way Marc built his relationship with his boys was through physical affection: hugs, kisses, and holding hands. He and the boys had love wars where there are no losers. In love wars, the goal is to prove you love the other person more.

Having such a close relationship with his sons made it almost unbearable for Marc when Cole was tragically killed in a car accident in college. Only in death was Marc able to see the amazing number of people Cole had influenced during his life. As the family and Texas football struggled to recover from losing Cole, their memories, feelings, and lessons eventually lead to the writing of this book. So, love your people hard. Hold secrets like a dead man. Don't be afraid to show love because you never know how long we have together. Thanks, Travis for this recommendation.

This book is for fathers and men in father roles.
(Rated PG-13, Score 8/10)

An unbelievable story of love, strength, and faith

Every father should spend a few hours listening to this tragic yet beautiful story. Mr. Pittman through his stories and experiences cultivated a special bond and love with his sons that many don’t see or have. I appreciate him sharing his story as well as being the one who read it. Not an easy feat but you can hear the passion and authenticity in his voice. I highly recommend for any father.