HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

The value of a father in the life of a child cannot be underestimated. I know that I would not be who I am today without the love. nurturing and influence of my own father. While he was raised in a time when men were less involved with the children and women did a majority of the work, my dad was still a pretty involved father. He played with us and read with us when we were young. He coached our track teams, was co-president of the local youth sports association we were a part of and even helped us with our homework. He may not have always said with words how much he loved us, but he demonstrated with his actions that he valued being a part of our lives. (when I say our I mean my brother and I) I will never forget the times that I cuddled up to my dad on the couch while watching a movie, asked questions about penalties when watching a Michigan football game or laughed and rolled my eyes at one of his many cheesy jokes. Most importantly, my dad gave me an example of loving relationship between a husband and wife. I am not saying he was perfect, but I have never heard my father speak an unkind word to or about my mother. He understands who she is and how she ticks and communicates with her accordingly. It was only fitting that when I found my own husband that he had many of the same qualities as my own father. Loving, patient, kind, funny and married to high maintenance woman:) And now that we have two kids of our own I see what an amazing father my husband is. I see what a healthy attachment he has created with both kids and how much they love and need that. Dave is one of the most involved fathers that I know. He changes diapers, he baths, he puts them down for bed, he plays outside, runs errands with them and lovingly disciplines them when needed. He is not afraid to be the caregiver. He willingly and confidently cares for both kids on his own to give me a break or let me go study. He has even gone out of the state by himself with one of the kids. I don't know a whole lot of other men who would do that! I am so thankful that my own children will have a great example of a loving, caring and involved father and husband. I can only pray that my son is as great a husband and father someday and that my daughter will marry a man as great as her dad!