Sam Perrett on the blessings of fatherhood after son's tough fight Sam Perrett with children Riley, 6, Keil, 5, and Samuel, 3, checking out some Father's Day gifts online. Picture: Kristi Miller Source: News Limited NRL star Sam Perrett has urged all dads to count their blessings as he prepares to mark Father's Day with his three kids next Sunday. The Bulldogs player and his wife Jemma have more reasons to celebrate than most, with their youngest son Sam. He is now a boisterous three-year-old after a traumatic start to life. It was discovered after his birth that Sam had a cardiac problem and "needed a switch of the main arteries in his heart." The newborn underwent open-heart surgery and spent his first two months at Sydney's Westmead Children's Hospital, with his mum and dad virtually living at the hospital throughout. But since then young Sam has "come good," Perrett says. My message to dads is enjoy every moment you can. It's an absolute blessing being a father. If everything else came crashing down in my life, the first people I would want to be around are my family. Perrett expects a low-key celebration next Sunday, starting with breakfast in bed. If you are still not sure what to buy your dad, The Sunday Telegraphcan help. Our team of specialist writers has put together a wide sel­ection of ideas in our Father's Day Gift Guide to suit dad's interests and your pocket. For techy dads, try Google's new tablet - the Nexus 7 2013 at $359.95 - suggested by technology editor Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson. Check out all the ideas, including books, DVDS, albums, fashion and DIY, at thetelegraph.com.au and while you're online, create your own special message for dad. Our 'Dear Dad' special asks you to share the things you've never said via a video, a picture, using our downloadable letter template or simply by writing your own message. We'll share the results online on Father's Day so dad can see how much you care.