There are a lot of great fathers out there, fathers with adult children, fathers with young children and fathers with grandchildren. They all are great for many different reasons, but there are 2 fathers that will always be the greatest in my eyes.
My dad will always be the greatest father I know. He has always been involved in the lives of his three children. Whether we were playing baseball or football or marching in the band, he was always there to show his support. And the thing that sticks with me most is that he never put pressure on us to be better than we were. If we asked his opinion on how we could improve, he was happy to give advice or work with us until we were comfortable. But never did we feel that he would be disappointed if we didn't get a hit or if we made a bad throw.
I have been a daddy's girl my whole life. When we would all go to the mall to do some shopping, Dad and I would sit out in the mall, eating ice cream and people watching, while mom and the boys did their shopping. When I was a very little girl, I walked into my parents' room one night in tears because I decided that I never wanted to get married. Dad quickly chimed in and said that I didn't have to and could live with them for as long as I wanted. I bet he's glad I changed my mind on that one. He never put his job or anything else before his family. We were always the most important part of his life. He taught us to have faith in God and led by example. And as he gave me away on my wedding day, the tears that were in his eyes showed me just how much he loves me. Although, I never had to wonder if he loved me because he told me and showed me every day. No matter how old I live to be, I will always be a daddy's girl.
The other great father that I know is my husband. Before we had John, I didn't really know what to expect from Tommy as a father. He was great with older kids, but never interacted much with infants. But I have to say that the moment our son was born, his daddy instincts kicked in and he has been fantastic with him. And even when things have been the toughest with John, he faced each situation head on and never wavered. He has been by my side every step of the way along this journey and when I sometimes felt like I couldn't go on, he took me by the hand and led the way, showing me that everything will be OK. There is no one I would rather have parenting beside me.
He is a very hands on dad. He has never been afraid to change diapers (even if sometimes he has a yucky look on his face). He gives baths, helps with trach care, sings to John, plays with John, takes him for wagon rides and many other things. When he comes home from work each day, the first thing he does is tell our son hello and asks him how his day was. I sometimes just sit back with a smile on my face and watch as my two boys play together and giggle together. I love the sound of John's laugh when he's playing with his daddy. When he hears his daddy's voice from another room, his eyes light up and he gets the biggest smile on his face. That boys is in love with his daddy and so am I.
So today, I want to wish my two favorite men a very Happy Father's Day. You both mean so much to me and I am a lucky girl to have you both in my life.
