This One’s For The Dads

I want to sing the praises of all the sweet dads who couldn’t imagine their role as a father.  The guys who don’t take the chance to toot their horn or march in their own parade.  I’m here to toot, beep, and shout this proclamation.  You are rocking fatherhood.

I see you, focus intently on the precious bundle a doctor has just laid in your hands.  Nervous, excited, but mostly nervous.  You study his features and marvel at her beauty.  You’ve spent months running the numbers: college funds, life insurance premiums, daycare expenses, well visits and co-pays.  He’s here, there’s 10 fingers and 10 toes and nose that resembles your own.  There’s no price you won’t pay, no mountain you can’t move.   You will not let this little one down. Right then, you promise her the world.

I see you wipe and diaper swiftly, sing hushed, off-tempo lullabies, bounce-walk-repeat to pacify one little baby.  You wake in the middle of the night for solidarity. Noting your commitment, I squeeze your hand, relieving you of your post.  Rest easy soldier, this battle has already been won.  It won’t be long before you’re called to the front lines to collect worms or put the fear of God in your daughter’s boyfriend.

I see you close our bedroom door and quietly usher the kids down for breakfast.  I wish I could tell you I actually sleep after that stampede down the stairs, but bless you for your efforts.  One of the top 5 sweetest things you say is “I’ve got the kids, you go.”  I can’t imagine what happens while Dad’s in charge, but it never fails that I return to giggles, wide smiles and squeals of delight.

I see you walk in the door after a long day and insufferable commute.  There’s not a moment to decompress or take off your tie before the littles have tagged you, you’re it.   A little girl waits impatiently in a playhouse to serve you the best imaginary tea.  Two boys clamor to play the man who hangs the moon in a game of soccer, now basketball, now baseball.   You’re tired, hungry and still you push your wants aside.

The List Could Go On

I see you make the coffee every morning, take out the snow covered trash cans, mow the lawn in a heat wave, fix the [damn] air conditioner, build a Barbie dream house, teach how a spiral pass, read My First Words for the hundredth time, fold the mountain of laundry, wash the bottles, check the homework, balance the budget, and give IT all 110% every day.

I see you take care of your family and never let those sweet babies down.  Not even for one second.

A Cause for Celebration

Though you are content with a quiet celebration, I must insist on something so much more.  Today, I want the world to know that you are the best teammate a mom could hope for.  You make our dreams come true.  You exceed every expectation and love us unconditionally.  Our world doesn’t turn without you.

Happy Father’s Day to all the guys who don’t know that they are, without a doubt, the best dad on earth. 

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