Sunday, June 15, 2008

DID YOU KNOW...?

Dear Blake and Kayla,

Did you know what an amazing dad you have?

Did you know that you were just as likely to see his face above your cribs at night as mine, when you were babies?

Did you know that each of you, upon your arrival into our world, turned him into a soft puddle of mush?

Did you know that, even when you were newborns, I never had to leave the slightest instructions for him when I left you with him?

Did you know that, when you were little, you always had more fun with Daddy than with Mommy?

Did you know that he worked two jobs while you were little, so that I could stay home with you full time? He drove to a nearby college on Saturdays to teach a review course for the CPA exam. Did you know that?

Did you know that he has NEVER ONCE said that I need to return to work, because he respects my desire to be home for you at the end of your day?

Did you know that early in his career, you never saw him work into the early morning hours, because he always came home for dinner, bath and bedtime and returned to work after you were asleep for the night?

Did you know that he has taken midnight flights to London, rather than early afternoon ones, so he could sit through one of your concerts or sporting events before leaving for the week?

Did you know he often excuses himself from business meetings at corporate headquarters to speak to you on the phone, even if it's just to hear the latest Cubs' scores, or the details of your day?

Did you know that he, year after year, has said "I'm not coaching again," but up until this year has always allowed himself to be talked into volunteering for one or both of your teams?

Did you know that he actually LOOKS FOR WAYS to spend time with you, and doesn't wait for suggestions from anybody else?

Did you know that he calls me at 3:30 nearly every school day to make sure you are home and to get a report from me on how your days were; then offers to talk to you if you're around?

Did you know that when you are sick, he will come home from work to bring ice cream, movies, or whatever other treats will make you feel better.

Did you know that he was the first person in his family to graduate from HIGH SCHOOL, not to mention college and then go on to become the professional success that he is?

Did you know that he counts you two as his most successful achievements in life?

Did you know that he NEVER complains about the money I spend on myself or on you, even though we all tease him about how cheap he is?

Did you know that he treats your mother like a queen, and makes me weak in the knees with his devotion and love?

Did you know, Kayla, that if you marry a man just like him, you will be happier than you ever imagined?

Did you know, Blake, that if you treat your future wife as beautifully as he treats me, you will make her happier than she ever imagined?

I think you know all of these things, because he lives such a beautiful example for you.

But on this Father's Day I just wanted to give you this sweet little reminder.




3 comments:

Susiewearsthepants said...

I think I am going to cry. What a wonderful father/husband your family has. Maybe someday, I can find such a wonderful person to share my life with who will be a good example to my girls. Maybe.

a portland granny said...

What a wonderful tribute to your husband. He sounds like a gem! You are all blessed to have him in your lives--but I know you know that!

Good Daddies are a gift from God. What a difference a caring, loving Dad makes in a child's life. I am so glad for you that you are experiencing this special man in your lives

Enjoy your week.Joan

Paul W said...

I certainly didn't deserve this nice note. Thankfully, you didn't mention the time I flushed a set of Lego's down the toilet in a moment of parenting gone amok or when I got your 3-year old soaking wet at a football game when I didn't listen to your advice about an umbrella.

I am blessed beyone measure by a wonderful wife and two really cool kids.

Pauley