It’s almost Dan’s first official Father’s Day and the
celebration has got me thinking about my own Dad. Although I didn’t always
appreciate him as much as I should have, his unconditional love and support has
been there from my very first day.
The earliest memories I have with my dad are of reading
books all snuggled in the nook of his arm, exploring the worlds of my picture
books. Those colorful illustrations gave
way to American Girls, Sweet Valley Kids, Box Car Children, Indiana Jones and every
historical fiction book for children ever written. Through the investment of his time, he opened
up my imagination and creativity which is so much a part of who I am.
As I got older, I certainly offered my dad my share of “challenges.” Boys, teenage hormonal drama, overspending, and unstable college majors all took their turn at changing Dad’s hair from dark
brown to silver. I’m sure I left him
scratching his head wondering “what did I say that got her so upset?” on more
than one occasion. Looking back, despite
it all, I know that more than anything, my dad wanted the best for me. His reminder to “wear a coat” was only because
he wanted me to be warm, and not really an intention to control my life
(regardless what the rebel inside said at the time).
My dad has worked so hard all of his life in order to give
me everything I could ever need or want, including my mom’s ability to stay
home and care for us. I know he thinks
that because she spent so much time with us during the day when we were little,
that she had the most influence on who
my brother and I have become. And
while my mother is a huge part of who I am, I think my dad underestimates what
he has given me.
My dad believes in me.
He always always has. He believed
that I could be the best little mouse ballerina in the nutcracker when I was
four. He believed I could be the best
singer in my high school choir. He
believes that I can have an awesome blog and religiously votes for me on Top
Baby Blogs every day. Whose Dad does
that? Mine – my awesomely supportive and
proud Dad.
Because my dad has so much confidence in me - because he truly
believes that I can - I start to believe that it’s true, and that I can get through whatever challenges me. I’ve learned to trust his words as truth and
that gift of confidence is one of the best things a parent can give their
children.
And most importantly, my Dad believes that I can do this Mom
thing and will be able to give my babies all the love and care that they
need. Every step of the way he’s
there. He was waiting with a hug the
morning before I went in for delivery, the day the babies were born. He was there during my pregnancy when I was
scared we were having issues. He was there
when I desperately needed him the other night when Julie was in the hospital,
holding my hand and telling me it would all be okay..
As I sat there watching him hold my little girl, I could see
his love for her spill out all over. That
love is the same love that he’s had for me my whole life, and I am so very lucky
to be the recipient.
Happy Fathers Day Daddy…
