Blog Your Blessings Sunday - Happy Father's Day 2007

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers today!

A special note:
Happy Father's Day
to my wonderful husband
This post is dedicated to you!

I didn't have a father growing up. My biological parents were deceased and the home I grew up in had no male role model. Things changed when we were wed as I learned to share living space with the opposite sex. That was a real hoot! Just when we had that somewhat figured out, I was expecting our first baby. My husband became more protective and as if possible more attentive. When our little bundle of joy was born he was there to help me through the labour and welcome our first into the world. As new parents we knew very little so did a lot of flying by the seat of our pants. My husband stepped right in helping with baby duties, changing diapers, doing laundry and calming the baby when nothing else seemed to help. The baby loved sleeping on Daddy's chest. I can still see his huge hands gently struggling with the first few diaper changes and those very small newborn clothes. In reward the baby's eyes would sparkle and give a huge toothless smile just at the sound of Daddy's voice. He was Daddy's boy! As his sibs joined the ranks, we became more assured of our parenting style and as parents we were united on major issues but the kids quickly realized that Daddy was a huge push over on smaller things. If Mom said no, Dad might say yes so why not cut out the middleman aka Mom and just go straight to Dad? We caught onto that little scheme faster than our darling angels thought we would. The kids also knew Dad was a little more liberal than Mom so by approaching Dad first, he might be able to talk Mom into allowing them to do something they really wanted to do. Since Dad had excellent negotiating skills it quite often worked to the kids' advantage but usually with conditions and they knew if those conditions were broke they wouldn't get that privilege again.

But Dad could fix things Mom couldn't. A bandage from him meant the world. Sure Mom could kiss boo boos but Dad giving a bandage, that was a real highlight. He could kiss away tears that sometimes Mom couldn't. He could do that man talk thing gals just don't get and if they try they mess it up. He could put things together without instructions because men don't need instructions and he could always find the way to where we were going because men don't need directions. And late at night, you would find him giving a final goodnight kiss and later as they got older, sitting up late waiting for them to get home. Getting home late was a good thing as the kids talked out what was going on that night and despite wanting to sleep he would listen patiently sometimes offering advice if needed.

There were some things that my husband aka Dad just did better than me aka Mom. Dad is a easy, laid back, take life as it comes and adjust type person while Mom is pretty much the opposite. They say opposites attract. Anyway, that made Dad the mediator, negotiator and sometimes humorous sidekick. He also encouraged the kids to try something new and even take risks that Mom would have balked at. He bit his tongue when sometimes they did stupid (on the surface) things long enough to find out why they had did so. Neither of us ever believed in spanking but I will tell you my husband has this thing where he twists his tongue then sticks it between his teeth when he is angry. The kids caught onto this very early and would stop whatever they were doing. They simply knew not to cross the line. If you give a child respect you get respect back and Dad knew that. So life went.

Over the years, my husband aka Dad taught the kids life skills to last them a life time other than fishing as that was Mom's job. He had the patience to teach them to drive. Oh and does he ever deserve medals for that! He's helped them move oh so many times without complaining and even provided comic relief for those tense moving moments! I saw him cry coming down the aisle with our second even though he was full of pride. The pride shines through in the family wedding photos! Now I get to see his love and pride in family take a new shape through our new grandbaby. And the cycle continues, ever change yet familiar.

Our kids are now grown and starting families of their own. While they are very independent, they still turn to us for guidance, support and sometimes help. Dad remains a key role model worthy of respect. He deserves accolades for a job well done, one he accepted of his own choice and one he has more than excelled at. He continues to be the pillar of strength for our family. He is aways there just to chit chat or to offer advice and he has no problem offering more when needed. He is the most unselfish and giving person I know. He has demonstrated a true love for his family in every sense of the word. We are so very blessed to have this unique and wonderful person in our lives!

I love you honey for being a wonderful father to our kids!