One of my greatest joys in being a Mom, is watching Rob be a Dad. I already knew a lot about what a great Dad looks like, because I had the perfect example in my own father. Of course I have only ever seen my Dad through a daughter’s eyes, and now that I’m a Mom, I realize that there are many things I took for granted. Watching Rob with Brendan, I realize that my son will be fortunate enough to get to take these same things for granted. Things like rides in laundry baskets:
Roughhousing on the bed:
Cold morning pajama picnics:
Dad will always help you find the magic in everything (even if it secretly means that Mommy just needs to dust more often):
Dad always has time for you, and in fact, you are his first priority, no matter what he is doing.
Knowing that Dad will always show up to the Father’s Day Event at school. Knowing that he gets excited to wear matching outfits with you. Knowing that even though he plays with all the kids, he still thinks you’re the most special.
And knowing that when you pick out a very special fire engine sticker, and then go back and find one that matches exactly and give it to your Daddy, that he will proudly wear that sticker on his hand all day – even and especially if he has meetings with important people.
I love knowing that some day when Brendan is a father, he will do these same things with his kids. He will not only feel the delight in filling his child’s heart with joy, but he will have a renewed thankfulness for Rob as he realizes all of the things he got to take for granted as a child. Those small every day acts of love are the most important ones of all.
Happy Father’s Day – especially to the man who allowed me to take these things for granted, the man who helps my son do the same, and the man who taught my husband how to be this kind of father. I love you all so much.