My Babies’ Daddy
“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.” – Jim Valvano
I wasn’t planning on writing anything about Father’s Day. My father died almost 10 years ago and that relationship was strained, to say the least.
It occurred to me today however, that I do have a father in my life worthy of recognition from me, even though he is not my father. That man is my husband.
In addition to today being Father’s Day, it’s also hubby’s birthday. We let him sleep in and then the boys woke him up to present him with their handmade cards. He appreciated those cards more than any other that he received today, and he exhibited that in his acceptance of them. Our sons felt loved and appreciated for the hard work they put into those cards. Hubby felt loved and appreciated because they put such effort into creating these very personal expressions of what he means to them.
One of the most important things in life to him is to be a good dad. He wants to have good relationships with his sons and exhibits this in just about every way. He’s never missed a sporting event, practice, band concert or any other event in which they have been involved. He is their biggest supporter, cheerleader, teacher and shoulder to cry on.
He effortlessly walks that fine line between teaching them how to be a man, how to be tough out there in this sometimes cruel world and to stick up for themselves, while also allowing them to express emotions. He leads by example in showing them how to be a good husband, father and human being. He has fun with them. He listens to them. He is genuinely interested in everything they do and say.
He encourages them to practice and achieve in sports, other activities and schoolwork. He helps them when they run into something they don’t understand or when they get frustrated with their own progress. He doesn’t criticize when they don’t excel at a particular sport, coaches them, and allows them the autonomy to choose which activities they enjoy the most, even though he secretly wants them both to play in the NFL. 
He is not a work-a-holic who is never home and only interested in getting ahead or making more and more money just to acquire more and more stuff. He does his best to do his share in both of us providing for our family while making certain that the pursuit of professional success and financial gain are not his sole focus in life. They see that he is a responsible man but also a loving father and husband whose family is more important than money, success or recognition.
He is generous with his affection and frequently tells them he loves them. He takes them camping, to the pool, batting cages, air and water shows and many other “guy outings’. This provides them precious male bonding time.
He does his fair share of work around the house. He is more than willing to admit to mistakes and also to jump in when I am feeling overwhelmed. He is generous with affection for me and more than willing to talk about our disagreements without being domineering or dismissive of my opinions. These things indirectly send them messages about how to show respect to the women in their lives as well.
I couldn’t ask for a better father for my two sons. So, to my hubby; Happy Father’s Day to the best Dad ever!
Thanks for stopping by!
Now that is good stuff!
Awww, gonna make me tear up, Cyndi!
I’ve only had dreams of writing a post so endearing. Sweet stuff, made my day
Very heart-warming!
You have touched me in a way I’ve NEVER felt before, I love you for the best woman, mother and wife a man could EVER have! Thank you and I love you!
Your first comment on my blog!! Aww…I’m glad you liked it, you deserved it, and I love you too. Thanks for stopping by!
Lucky kids! Think how much better the world could be if more kids had such good role models in their lives.
what a nice tribute to your hubby the dad (and so sweet that he commented!). i hope he had a wonderful, well-deserved father’s day.
and kudos to you for choosing as the father of your kids a man that you are proud of in that role — that can take some doing
I somehow missed this one when I was catching up on your posts. I’m glad I found it!! What a lovely tribute to your husband! You’re so lucky to have found each other– and especially at such a young age!!
My dad’s bday is June 20th, so his birthday and Father’s Day usually overlap as well. Sounds like your hubby got his fair share of celebrating for both days!:)