Long Hollow

A father gives advice 

A father nourishes the body 

and soul 

A father encourages

A father is joyful

A father reads

A father lends a hand 

 

A father plays 

 

A father offers support 

A father sticks close by your side

 

A father makes memories

A father teaches 

A father laughs 

 

A father is gallant

 

A father proves age is just a number

 

A father reaches out 

A father hangs on tight

 

A father helps you aim high

A father shows pride 

A father sets a good example to follow

A father relaxes

A father listens

A father works

 

A father keeps you honest

 

A father helps out

 

A father loves

A father dances 

 

A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty.

~Author Unknown

I've spent the day wading through photos, pulling out these of my three favorite fathers – my sweet Daddy, my remarkable father-in-law and my wonderful husband Tom, father of my children.

I might have gone overboard with the posting, but once I got started, it was hard to stop. While gathering the ones I wanted to use and posting them here, I also transferred photos from decrepit photo albums to new, more protective ones and recovered tons of files from that dying external hard drive. There are still a few left. I hope I can salvage them before it's gone completely.

There were tons of photos to choose from, reminders of how blessed Tom and I are to have such great, loving fathers. And I was reminded how lucky I am that he's the father of my children. Granted, we don't always see eye to eye on parenting styles, but I think we complement each other and achieve a good balance. 

We didn't get to see our fathers today, but we know how blessed we are that we can pick up a phone and wish them a Happy Father's Day (which we did.) 

I hope all of you dads (and moms who are playing both both roles for your children) had a wonderful Father's Day!

P.S.

My sister gave me permission to post this beautiful letter she wrote to our Daddy for Father's Day. It expresses much better than I can what kind of parents we were blessed with. Thank you, Daddy and Mama (and Brenda for letting me post it!)

Dear Daddy,

   As fathers go, you’re as good as they get. I’ve always loved you and been proud of you, and one of the things I appreciate about you is that you’ve always made it clear that you were proud of me. As I matured, I realized that not all parents are as generous with praise and appreciation of their kids as you and Mama have been with all of us. Thank you for the confidence you instilled!

   Thank you, also, for being my first first-grade teacher. Even after all these years I can remember lessons with you, particularly the large chart of the alphabet hanging on my bedroom wall, from which you taught me to read. That started my love of reading and opened worlds to me. For that I will be forever grateful.

   There is so much between then and now to be thankful for, but I am so very, very grateful for the opportunity to fall back into your and Mama’s loving arms for the last three months. At the least you provided me with basic care and waited on me hand and foot. But you did so much more. You doted on me, fussed over me, kept me company and entertained me. It was a little bit of heaven I’ll always be thankful for.

   I enjoyed waking up each morning and using my walker to meet you in the living room, where you stored my wheelchair each night. You seemed to enjoy pushing me, even though I could wheel myself, and I enjoyed letting you. You parked me at the dining room table and poured me a cup of coffee and a glass of orange juice, then it was, “What would you like for breakfast today? Toast, bacon, eggs, oatmeal?” And you cheerfully fixed whatever I asked for. I was Daddy’s little princess every morning. Before I finished skimming the newspaper, Mama would join us. That made the morning perfect. What a rare treat for someone my age!

   Nobody ever had a better Daddy. I’m so glad I got you!

And I am, too! Happy Father's Day, Daddy! Thank you for always putting up with me, for always encouraging me and always believing in me! I love you!