Father's Day

Yes, this is a day late.
I decided spending the day with my dad rather than writing a witty and heartfelt blog post was a slightly [and i mean slightly!] better way to express how much I love and appreciate him. But I express myself best through writing so I'm doing both.

So Dad...
I love ya. People say it's important for parents to let their kids know they're proud of them. Well I'm proud of you. And I want to tell you whether or not it's not important for you to know.

I was thinking how blessed I am to have a dad like you who has been present and who has loved well. Then I started feeling sorry for all the people who didn't have that growing up. And then I realized for the first time that you are that father-figure for more than just me! I think of you as my dad but you are also a youth pastor, teacher, mentor, coach, etc. and influence hundreds of lives through the church, school, and community relationships that you pour so much of yourself into! And somehow you managed to do that without ever making me feel like I had to share you with all the other kids you were taking care of. Amazing.

Here are just a few of my favorite memories over the years:

• Backyard football. Especially learning the "Stop & Go" play, which I considered to be my specialty.
• Motorcycle Ralph. Mom was the reader and we all knew it. But this book was special and we only wanted Dad to read it to us.
• Snack trays. Now that I'm the cook, I realize that these may have just been the result of being too tired to come up with and cook a meal. But you let us help prepare them and I always thought it was a special treat.
• Rough housing. Whether it was Tickle Time on a Saturday morning or playing in the pool, you were up for getting kicked, bit, and scratched by long fingernails. Thank you. It was fun.

• Pancakes. Which were always accompanied with nervous indigestion due to the impending conversation. A perfect mix of dread and excitement that let me know you cared. 
• Cars. You taught me how to drive and change the oil myself. I remember one better than the other.

Yes, this is the wrong end of the car for changing the oil. We know that now.

• Pampered Chef. Thank you for letting me be your sidekick. It meant more than you know.
• Road trips. I loved waking up in the middle of the night just to watch you drive. And gulp your 2 liter of Mountain Dew. I never worried that we wouldn't get there safely because I knew I could always trust Dad.
• Take your kid to work day. Whether it was pizza and hide & seek at IBM or helping with graphics and web design at Sell Stuff (sister was better at that, i shoulda stuck with the pizza), it was fun to see where you spent your days. And what was even more fun is later when we switched places and I got to train you at my job!

And now to my husband, the father of our little girl,

I love watching you be a dad. There are so many different types of dads you could be and so far you've chosen all great ones. You're already more fun and creative than I could ever hope to be. I especially enjoy watching you teach her new things - things that I can't be bothered with or doubt she'll be able to learn. I imagine the first few years must be hard for dads because they kind of start off stuck at second best what with not being able to produce milk and such. But you hang in there and are always around when she's ready to realize who's really the fun guy. Thank you for loving her, and me.

Some of my favorite memories of the two of you (the list is only shorter due to fewer years of experience):

• Story time. It's no secret who the better reader is between us. And without your encouragement, she probably wouldn't love books. Or have any. 

I can't believe we don't have a more up-to-date reading pic!

• Shoulder rides. Although it terrifies me when you don't hold onto her, her squeals of delight and shrieks of laughter are worth any concussions she may obtain when she finally does fall off.
• Washing dishes. You are so patient with her "helping" you. And so good at finding ways to let her try something she's not really big enough for.

I'm not sure how this makes you a great dad, but you have really impressive muscles.

Pillow forts. You're not afraid to make a mess for five minutes of fun. I like that.