I am keeping it simple today, by using 3 quotes to describe my thoughts. When I think of my dad, I think of countless hours of playing by the beach, walking in nature, discussions by the fire or any place opportune, laughter, excitement, unconditional support, strength, being an example, love, religion and many others. To this day, he is still all that and more and we still learn from him. So to honor him, maybe this quote:
"Anyone can be a father, but it takes a someone special to be a dad, and that's why I call you dad, because you are special to me. You taught me the game and you taught me how to play it right." - Wade Boggs
As for me, the last 12 months has been by far the most rewarding time of my life, in sharing our love for our son, with my wife and being a dad. This quote would give some insight:
"Being a father has been, without a doubt, my greatest source of achievement, pride and inspiration. Fatherhood has taught me about unconditional love, reinforced the importance of giving back and taught me how to be a better person." - Naveen Jain
As for my son, what would I love his little 12 month old brain to think? My hope would be that he would feel protected and safe, loved, able to express himself, confident to explore and free to laugh at any time. My hope is that he would echo the following one day:
"My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give a person, he believed in me." - Jim Valvano
It is truly an honor to be a dad, but I also realize that it is a lifelong responsibility, this my father thought me, and as I look at this blog and previous posts and the mission, it so reminds me of what we did together.
Thanks DAD! Love you!
young parents often don' trealise a child is forever, not for the first 20 years only, even if you are 100 years old and your child is 70 or 80 you will still feel it is your child ! mind you a child is not your possesion, it is a gift you have to care for and educate as best as you can......
ReplyDeleteYes so true and one should count your blessings if you have parents around for the larger part of your life, as I have had.
ReplyDeleteIt is very important to have 2 parents, my dad lost his mum (in WW II) when he was 12, he is now 83 and still talks about growing up without a mum ! My husband lost his dad when he was 12 ( car accident)and I have seen the impact of that on his life, he is now 58 and still talks about his dad,and visits his dads grave and keeps it clean and tidy......
ReplyDeleteWife lost her mom, 17 years ago, and misses her every day, especially when we got pregnant. We visit their graves every time we go down that way, just to say hello and give flowers, especially tough on our first visit with boeta. They are a rock on which we build our lives as children.
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