Sunday, June 15, 2014

Dads Are Grand

Matt, Todd, Karin, Dave, Ryan


Father's Day has historically been kind of a mixed bag for me. Though he did have his moments, especially when I was a little girl, my dad wasn't always the kind of father I wished for. My husband, on the other hand, is exactly the kind of dad I wished for, and my children (and grandchildren) have reaped the benefits.

Don't get me wrong. Big Daddy Dave isn't perfect, but he definitely has come close enough to get the job done. His success is evident in the faces of my adult children when they look at him; in the security they feel knowing that someone of substance always has their backs; in the respect they have for his integrity and selflessness; in their teasing as they interact with him playfully, knowing for sure that he is and always will be their friend. Loyalty is so important in family relationships, and my husband has plenty of it to go around. Through thick and thin, he has been there for my children, and he always will be. Of that, I am certain. And more importantly, so are they.

With this in mind, I will be celebrating Father's Day with a grateful heart and no small appreciation for the man I married and the children we have raised together, one of whom is an excellent father himself. As for my own dad, he has been gone for many years now. Strange as it may seem, I think my connection with him has improved since his death. Either he has done some growing in his new state of being or I have done some growing in my old one (probably a bit of both), but I'm glad for it. When I think of him on Father's Day, I now find myself remembering the good times…sitting on his knee zipping and unzipping his leather key case, turning the ruby class ring around and around on his finger, feeling safe and secure diving under big waves in his arms, singing silly songs with him in the car as he honored my pleas to go faster over the bumps, laughing at the jokes and teasing that were so much a part of his personality. I'm convinced he meant well, and that counts for a lot.

So happy Father's Day to all you dads out there…and to my own dad, too. Happy Father's Day to my mom's husband of over 40 years, who has been a friend to me and a wonderful grandpa to my children. (Dave's sweet dad was a terrific father and grandfather, too.) And finally, happy Father's Day to my husband, a devoted family man who has given his all and then some to the ones he loves most. No wonder we love him so much in return.

Have a great day, Dave. 
Breakfast in bed is coming your way!

=)

for more D posts, click below

13 comments:

Pondside said...

That was lovely, Sue. I'm glad that you married a man who has been able to be the father you longed for. There's healing in that, isn't there?

Gail said...

You are very fortunate.

yaya said...

Such a sweet tribute and a loving reminder to forgive. I was blessed with a great Dad and I married a good one too! It sounds like your family has a lot to be thankful for on this Father's Day! Happy Father's Day to your hubby! (Hope he enjoyed that breakfast in bed!)

Esther Joy said...

Very appropriate and beautiful post for Father's Day!

Friko said...

You saying that your relationship with your father has improved since his death resonates tremendously with me.

I am sorry I never saw him for who he really was when he was alive.
One of these days I might just pick up the thought of him and run with it.

Heather{Our Life In a Click} said...

Perfect post for Father's Day!

Leovi said...

Wonderful words to this moving tribute!

carol l mckenna said...

Wonderful post for D ~ Glad you have your 'man' and had a wonderful day ~ thanks, xoxo

artmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)

Brian Miller said...

i am glad that you can remember the good times with your dad...i think we learn that appreciation more as we grow...smiles...and that you honor the father of your children...dads are important, especially those willing to invest in their families...

EG CameraGirl said...

Sounds like you were very wise to marry the man you did! Wonderful words about your husband and family. (FYI: I'm married to a good man too.)

Jenny said...

This sounds like something quite difficult to write and such a timely reminder that it's never to late to forgive.

I'm glad you're finding joy, Miss Sue.

You richly Deserve it!

Thanks for linking for the letter D.

I am always delighted to read what you have to share.

A+

karen said...

What a lovely tribute to all of the dad's and good men in your life. I myself got a kick out of the back and forth between Dave and Ryan when we were out to dinner that night. A sure sign of a great and comfortable relationship. Happy (belated) Father's Day to Dave!

Splendid Little Stars said...

a great tribute to the special men in your life!
Time can heal and give perspective. So can special relationships with others who live out what it means to be a father.