Two years ago, I wrote about what I thought dads really wanted to Father’s Day. While I still like the advice, I think a little differently about Father’s Day these days. I’m not really thinking about wants and gifts. Maybe I’m feeling a little older, a little more tired (the first year with three kids will do that), but more than ever I’m thinking about why I’m thankful to celebrate Father’s Day.
I’m thankful for my oldest son. He gave me my first Father’s Day. He shows me what it’s like to be kind and friendly. He’s a blossoming reader with a passion for math and building things. He loves dancing and singing to Queen, Bon Jovi, and Metallica. He just might be the swimmer of the bunch. He likes nothing better than spending time with his family. He’s stubborn and silly. I’m lucky to have him in my life on Father’s Day and every day.
I’m thankful for my daughter, my bright middle child, my little girl. I admire her patience and concentration. She’s my social butterfly, lighting up every room. She’s everyone’s best friend, and she loves school. She’s smart and mature–I often forget that she’s just turned four. She loves the little things. She is fearless. Like her older brother, she’s also stubborn and silly. I’m lucky to have her in my life on Father’s Day and every day.
I’m thankful for my baby boy, my wrecking-ball of a one-year-old. No one can hold him back. He, more than his older siblings, has taught me to try to live in the moment. The future can wait, the past is passed, but today there’s a world to explore one more time through a baby’s eyes. He watches us all, ready to dance, swim, play, and run with his brother and sister. He is stubborn and silly, like his siblings. He has made our family complete. I’m lucky to have him in my life on Father’s Day and every day.
Most importantly, I’m thankful for my wife on Father’s Day and every day. She is my best friend, my partner in parenting. Her care and concern for others is unmatched. She works tirelessly for our children, providing play, exploration, and enrichment. Her love for us all is unending. She can always make me laugh. She is stubborn and silly. (Truth be told: I am, too. It’s really no surprise to us why our kids are the way they are…) My wife is the best part of my day. I’m beyond lucky to have her in my life on Father’s Day and every day.
To the dads out there, who are you lucky to have in your life? What are you thankful for this Father’s Day? Spend some time making this Father’s Day about the people who make you the father you are. Be thankful and enjoy the time together.
