Happy Father’s Day to all fathers, whether you be an adoptive father, biological father, mentor, Big Brother, etc. Being a father is not just donating sperm to procreate it’s being there for a child through the good and the bad. Being supportive, loving and nurturing, being a disciplinarian and a role model, being able to say sorry when you’ve made a mistake and being able to forgive when your child has made a mistake.
I was blessed with a loving father who had very old fashioned ideas about women, but as I and my sisters grew he matured. He realized that women could be more than just wives and mothers. He was proud when I graduated college and pursued a career and when I worked after having my first daughter. He wanted the best for us but knew that we would make mistakes. When I was divorced he didn’t say, “I told you so” although he had every right too.
I miss him terribly. This month he’ll be gone 11 years but his love has taught me how to love my children.
My husband is a wonderful Dad. Although he wasn’t there from Lady Ali’s birth, didn’t get to prepare her nursery or her crib bedding, didn’t get to be there when she was a toddler or see her on her first day of school, he adopted her as his own when she was 10.
Today he got a call from her telling him that she loved him. Peanut gave him a handmade card and a big hug and kiss. I believe that those were the best gifts he could get, ever!
