This post should have been done for me to publish yesterday but I haven't had the chance to sit down and write for a few weeks now. This weekend coming up is a big one! Adam's first Father's Day! We don't have big plans or do big gifts for events like this but we will be spending it together, as a family. Originally we wanted to go to a Nats game, then we were going to go to the zoo, but alas those plans have fallen through so we will now be spending the day with our friends at their pool relaxing, enjoying the sunshine together! I can't think of a better way to celebrate my husband being the best Dad around than that. Except spending it with my Dad and FIL also...but there's always next year.
So for this Thankful
My parents started their little family when they were very young, which means my Dad began his life as the outnumbered male early on...he has three daughters - poor guy. But one of the things that I value the most about my Dad (and Mom) is that they are still young enough to have created wonderful friendships with my sisters and I as adults. I'll be the first one to tell you that my parents are Adam and I's best friends at home. I can't express how much fun it was to have young parents growing up. Not everyone gets to grow up playing sports WITH their parents, doing Kung Fu WITH their parents. So thanks, Dad for getting Mom all knocked up when y'all were so young. (They were married for two years before they had my older sister btw - I don't mean to mislead and have you thinking they got knocked up in high school or anything...)
Being that my parents are so young - they worked very hard to find the balance between parenting and friendship. I always knew that I needed to stay in line and do what I was told, etc. otherwise Dad would find out and I'd be in trouble. And I never wanted for Dad to have to find anything out, I never wanted to disappoint him. Maybe that's just my personality, but I think that it also says a lot for their parenting...can you teach me how to instill that desire into my children?
Growing up my Dad worked hard. He did whatever it took to provide for his family including working every shift possible, mostly nights while I was in high school. I can't imagine that being any fun or a rewarding position - but he did it to take care of us. And that is something I truly respect and admire. I'm currently finding it challenging to find a way to provide for our family at the same time being able to enjoy the life Adam and I have created together. And when I think back to my childhood I'm reminded that my parents put their wants on hold to provide for us. Adam and I could take a lesson from them in this regard.
I think because I grew up with what I consider the perfect family, I forget that not everyone else had the same situation. I forget that sometimes parents get divorced, or parents don't treat each other the way they should, etc. etc. I lived in a little bubble. But when I'm reminded of this fact, I thank my lucky stars for the life my parents gave me. And I try to share it as much as possible. I want my friends to know that my parents are there for them too, that if they ever need support or someone to talk to my parents would be ready and willing to be there for them.
Now, I speak to my Mom almost every day on the phone just to chat about whats been going on. I don't speak to my Dad as often, though I know Mom relays everything to him so I know he knows what's going on. But, I know that when I need my Dad I can call him and he'll pick up every time. And he'll give me his honest opinion every time. And that is truly valuable to me. The first few weeks/months after Charlotte were born were pretty rough on me. But one of the most comforting things that I experienced in those early weeks came from my Dad. He told me, amidst a hectic evening with guests and a crying new born who couldn't be calmed, that sometimes babies just have to cry. And he gave me a big ol' Dad hug, you know the one I mean. And I just felt so much better. When I see Charlotte snuggling with her Daddy my heart just melts thinking of how much a hug from Dad can help any situation.There are no words.
I am so thankful for my Dad. Not just for what he has done for me over the years or for what he taught me growing up, but for what he is continuing to teach me every single day. Family is the most important thing. I can do anything a boy can do, and probably better. The best gift you can give your children is your presence, not presents. If you can't laugh at yourself, then how can you laugh at anyone else? Always be the bigger person. If you're on time, you're late. Hard work pays off.
Dad is definitely the epitome of what a Dad should be. He worked hard to provide for us, was the tough strong man to defend and protect us, and was also the funniest guy around. Still is. I feel so lucky to have had such a high quality guy as a Dad. He set some high expectations for the kind of guy I wanted to marry and to be the Father of my children. (I'm pretty sure I chose wisely, btw.)
Happy Fathers Day, Dad! I wish we could be together this weekend to celebrate. I hope everyone gets to spend some time with those very special men in their lives and tell them how much they mean to us.
That is a very sweet blog about your dad. Love you.
ReplyDelete