“The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother” ~ Rev. Theodore Hesburgh
My husband, and best friend…their daddy, and hero.
I overhear them in the garage. He is guiding the little boy whose lips might possibly be the most kissable in all the world – in how to hit the nail just right. Plastic hammer in hand, the little shadow eagerly mimics his every move.
Hours pass. Grease, on baby soft skin, smears.
Character and heart-connection are being carved in the foundation of the man cave.
For he believes, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that nothing is worth doing that isn’t worth teaching.
He is my hero too.
“My father didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it” ~ Clarence Budington Kelland
Hard-working and strong, rugged and tough. Yes. But gentle and patient. Tender and whimsical.
Their daddy.
I overhear them in the grass. Cuddling. Watching and waiting for the next fork of lightning to pierce the granite sky. The storm is coming, but not fast enough to rush this precious time of anticipation.
Grass strands tickle noses. Eyelashes flutter. The sweetest curls you ever did see bounce in the last light of evening as giggles erupt.
‘I love you’s are exchanged without a hint of effort. It is as breath between the two.
For he believes, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that his job as her daddy is to one day return her to her Heavenly Father, in better condition than she was received. Extravagant love, indeed.
He is my prince too.
“Being a great father is like shaving. No matter how good you shaved today, you have to do it again tomorrow” ~ Reed Markham
“Fatherhood is pretending the present you love most is soap-on-a-rope” ~ Bill Cosby
If marriage isn’t for sissies, fatherhood isn’t for wimps.
He knew, coming into this marriage, he had a tall order to fill, for my own daddy set the bar high.
And daily, as sure as the tea kettle boils, this man of mine – this tenacious protector of all things family – fills this order so lavishly that I am left {almost} without words.
This is what raw, unpretentious father love looks like. It’s where the rubber hits the road.
And where forever memories are made in the midst of everyday chaos.
Bliss.
What a gift that this same man who has so faithfully, patiently, lovingly tended the fragile heart of his wife – ever nurturing the hope that there was healing for my brokenness – so sweetly tends to the hearts of his children.
Raising them up in the way they should go. Fostering a love for, a trust in, a dependence on, the Creator of love and life itself. Carving for them a dwelling in the center of the two.
What a life-giving…life-changing…life-inspiring treasure you are to us, sweet man.
And oh, how your family adores you!
Father. Friend. Beloved. Son.
Happy Father’s day, scrumptious one.
{Thank you for the legacy of love, security and acceptance you’re handing down to our children}
