With Father’s Day this weekend, dads are on everyone’s mind. Some think of this celebration with only positivity, while for others it can bring up emotions tied to a dad who has passed away or maybe not having a dad at all. Moms get a lot of hype these days. I mean, this is a Moms blog after all (that does have a dad writer, actually!), and there is a lot of emphasis on giving moms the praise and support they deserve. Good, it should be that way. But let’s not forget the dads.
My biological dad has never been in my life. It was his choice and that is a whole other story for another day. But there was something better in store for me. I was lucky enough that my mom found her true love, who has become the dad that I needed. The dad he really never had to be, but over time has chosen to love and support me as his own. This hasn’t always been clear to me, but as I go through adulthood and am now a parent myself, I know he loves me as a daughter. Everyday, I am grateful he “manned up” and gave me a dad.
And of course there’s the daddy to my own kids. I’ve always known my husband would be a wonderful father and I couldn’t wait to witness first hand that magical relationship right from birth. He and I were hand in hand as we waited and prayed for a baby. We continue to be hand in hand as we raise our kids and I am in awe of the dad he is to them. He is in heaven when our daughter falls asleep on his chest. He explains to our son every detail of every digger we see and I know his heart bursts when he sees how excited he gets when he sees a truck, train or plane. My son IS my husband in a much smaller body and I can’t wait to see their relationship continue to grow. He kisses them on their lips and asks for another. He worries about them and can be brought to tears when one doesn’t feel well. My husband has “manned up” when it comes to fatherhood. He pours his heart and soul into everything he does, from his daily work to cutting the grass. But being a daddy and a husband are his top priorities and I love him more everyday because of it.
For some reason, some men choose to walk away from fatherhood. I don’t know why my biological dad decided to and it doesn’t matter. I have an amazing mom who made up for it when I was little. I had a Grandma who lived with me until she passed away and was my best friend. I had uncles who would toss me in the air, alongside their own kids and would take me to the father/daughter dances. I now have a great dad and everyday get to see true fatherhood with my husband and kids. Dads deserve the same commendation as us moms and I hope my dad, husband and other father figures in my life know how much I appreciate their love. Happy Father’s Day to those dads who man up; who snuggle with their kids, crawl on the floor with them and put bows in their hair. We couldn’t do it without you.
