Today, on Father's Day, I just want these men to know how much they mean to me.
To my Daddy:
I was never really aware of it growing up, but as an adult I have come to realize that the thing I admire most about you is your work ethic. You have always been the pillar of our family, rising long before the sun came up and working to support your family while making sure to make quality time with us a priority. You were the quiet strength that kept our family grounded and strong. I admire your ethics, your sense of humor, and will forever be grateful to you for instilling in me an appreciation for good music. I wouldn't be the same without your classic rock education. I love you so much, Daddy. And thanks for not ripping me a new one after that 16th birthday party incident, even though I had it coming. :)
To Howie:
If it's true that the highest compliment you can pay a parent is to rave about their child, then you can rest assured that you have done a darn fine job as a Dad. We'll get to him in a minute, but you should know that he is every bit the man that you worked hard to raise. But as for you. I admire you, Howie. You are a man who "walks the talk." You go through every day of your life focused on living for God and keeping Him at the center of your heart. When my husband needs advice or a person to emulate, he doesn't need to look any further than his own father. When my sons want someone to get goofy with them, all they have to do is hand you a freakishly small football helmet or a foam sword and you are ready to go! Thank you for being the kind of man I want to raise my sons to be.
Evan, I'm not sure I'm going to be able to make it through typing this without bawling. Correction, I wasn't even able to make it through typing that first sentence before my eyes welled up. Stupid China. Ok, focus. I am so PROUD of you. You are the kind of husband and father that women dream of having. You love our children with every fiber of your being, but you are also very aware that being a good father also requires you to be a great husband. It's hard work to make those two go hand-in-hand, but I see you working at it all the time. Our boys adore you. They freak out like Santa is coming down the chimney every day when they hear the garage door open. You are the one they want to wrestle with, play "punching," and race cars. The day is coming soon when you will need to experience "man stuff" with them like fishing, playing catch, and learning to ride a big boy bike. It's going to be so awesome. Raising Godly sons is a tall order, but there is nobody else I would rather have as my partner in this task. We are blessed to have you as the cornerstone of this family. And please hurry home. :) The Incredible Hulk and Iron Man need their third Avenger.
Much love to the Dads in my life today. Happy Father's Day.
Have you hugged a Dad today?
