We’re a few days from Father’s Day, so it only seemed right to acknowledge all the exceptional dads today–especially my husband, my partner in crime, and the daddy of my two beautiful babies, Brandon.
To the amazing daddies:
On this Father’s Day, I just want you to know you’re loved and appreciated. You’re so much more than a “provider.” You’re the person your kids look up to, the one who is Superman–a boo boo healing, bug killing, bad dream nixing, piggyback ride giving, expert in all things. You’re the strong arms those babies need wrapped around them when the world seems scary and uncertain and unfair. You’re the funniest guy ever–your dad jokes provide endless giggles in your home.
You show up in ways that not all men do–you know how to bathe and dress kids, change diapers, and clean the kitchen. You do it all because you love those kids and their mommy, and you do it with a cheerful heart. You do it because you know, whether your wife works outside the home, at home, or as a SAHM, she deserves a little rest. You do it because your kids need to see that daddies can take care of kids like mommies–and just as well.
You don’t just stop there though. You surprise the family with little gifts here and there, just to show you’re thinking of them…a craft supply for a budding artist, a book for the reader, or flowers or Starbucks for the mama. You do it to show how much you love them and to teach your kids what a dad and a husband looks like.
You work hard, but you play hard too. Evenings and weekends are the perfect play times, and every chance you get to relax with your family, you will. After all, you know that more than material things, your family needs YOU.
You play Barbies or dress up when you’re tired and could think of 3,582 things you’d rather be doing. You play hide n seek for 20 minutes, knowing exactly where the kids are hiding every single time. You do all this and more because you are an exceptional dad.
See, there are a lot of dads in this world. But not all dads are like you–many kids will never know what it’s like to have a dad of your caliber. So today, in time for Father’s Day, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for being the dad your kids need. Thank you for going beyond the basics and showing up each and every day to show your kids what a real man is.
To Brandon and all the dads like him: Thank you for being you.
