It's funny how having a child can make you think so much about your own parents and family life. As Father's Day rolled around and I was rushing to get all the cards and gifts together...as well as everything for our first overnight trip to Dayton - I really started to think about my dad. So often, I think that I'm a lot more like my mom than my dad and while that might be true - there are several memories of my dad that really stand out. My dad must have been in charge of bath time at our house because I have distinct memories of him helping me get ready for a bath and eventually shower, blow drying my hair, and making sure I looked pretty sweet (well, as sweet as you can with a curly mullet). While I'm sure he had no idea how to work with my crazy mop of hair or what products to use - the fact that he made the time to get us ready and helped us put our best foot forward is pretty great.
Also - while my mom is the scrapbooker - my dad also made some pretty amazing home videos with our camcorder. You know, back before there were i-phones or digital cameras - there were camcorders - which were 10 times the size of an i-phone, bulky, and you had to hold on your shoulder for long lengths of time. No matter, my dad faithfully hauled that thing to soccer games (I mean, who doesn't want to tape their first grader picking dandelions while they were supposed to be playing soccer), and school functions (like the poetry contest where Steve Homan mispronounced my name), and he even taped my sixth grade performance (if you will) of Rachel Carson at Sugarcreek Metro Park.
In high school - I was in the marching band (cue the nerdy uniforms, band camp, and Friday night spent at football games). But, I will never forget my first year as drum major. It involved a lot of drama...I was a junior and some of the seniors were not too happy about it. Either way - I came home from school - pretty nervous because it was the big Alter versus Fairmont game (our local rivals) and there were yellow roses (our school colors were brown and gold) with a note from my dad wishing me good luck.
My dad always knows just the right thing to say - or when not to say something (and just hands over the heating pad)! He has been by my side, supporting me for the last 31 years - and almost six weeks ago - he supported me in a way I know he's been dreaming about for years. He stayed up until practically two in the morning while I had a C-section and then finally got to meet his grandson! I wish I had video of him meeting Max for the first time (but thankfully my mom took 1.2 million pictures) -- truly precious. And dad, as Max grows and inevitably dreams in strange and wonderful ways about what he might like to do, I want to follow your lead. I want to support him - whether on the sidelines of the lacrosse fields, or the audience of a concert hall or a myriad of other places - because of how you've supported me. If I can be anything for him like you've been for me, I know it will mean the world.
Beyond my dad, Rob also celebrated his first father's day! Max is one lucky little boy to have him as as a dad. Rob gets home from work and immediately washes his hands and changes shirts so he can hold Max. He has gotten up countless times during the night for feedings, changes the stinkiest of diapers, is the master swaddler, and the falsetto voice he uses when singing or talking to Max is pretty great!
Also - to my father-in-law Jim (one of the biggest supporters of the blog) - thank you for raising a patient, loyal, hard-working son - one who drops everything to help me (and now Max). I firmly believe children are a true reflection of how they were raised and you (and Suzi) did one heck of a job! We have enjoyed all your care packages, Facetime calls, and even postcards. Honestly, I'm so excited for future trips to Oregon, golf outings (and then splashes in the hot tub), and for Max to hear all of your great stories!
Truly - Rob and I are so blessed to have so many wonderful men in our lives. We wouldn't be where we are today without all of your love and support!
xoxo
No comments:
Post a Comment