Dear Brittain and Coleman,
Because I’m the one who has painstakingly written on this blog for the last 6 years, most of what I write about is my personal experience as a mom to the two of you. But it’s time that you also know what a great dad you have even though he’s not the one who makes himself known here.
I often discuss the joys and pains of being a mom, but it goes without saying that your Daddy has also had his share of these emotions since you were born, Brittain. Moms and Dads experience different pressures. In our family, Daddy shoulders the burden of making sure his family is taken care of. He has the pressure of making sure there’s a home for you to live in, food on the table, and enough money left over for you to experience the “extras” in life.
With Daddy’s new job I have had several days where I’ve laughed picturing him upstairs “working” as the 3 of us are downstairs. I’m trying to get dinner ready; Coleman, you’re toddling around crying because you’re hungry or you just want someone to hold you; and you, Brittain needing attention that I can’t give you at the moment. I picture him upstairs, listening to the chaos that’s going on below him with his feet propped up on his desk, mellowing out to some Dave Matthews Band, waiting for a moment of silence before appearing downstairs just in time to put you in bed. Of course I know this isn’t what he’s actually doing…I don’t think.
There are lots of days I think both of us are just trying to put one foot in front of the other. I get caught up in all I have to do, a lot of which I can’t keep up with, and I often times forget that Daddy is feeling the same way. It’s all about the balance, and while neither of us have really figured it out yet, I wholeheartedly believe that we’re both trying. Daddy sacrifices for us each and every day he leaves for work. Because of his sacrifice I am given the opportunity to be with you and experience the real joy that comes from being a parent. I work just enough to help out a little, but my “real” job is here at home and I’m awarded that because your Daddy makes sure the rest is covered.
It’s been in the past few years that I’ve realized even more the impact that a parent has on a child. I’ve realized how important it is to set a good example. You look up to us. We set the standard. And hopefully you will think we’ve shown enough character that you’ll perhaps want to pattern your lives after us. Daddy’s decision to work the hardest that he can for us is what has provided us the life that we have.
When you’re grown up and reading this, I hope you’ll take a moment to thank Daddy. On this Father’s Day and every other day he deserves to know how much he’s appreciated and how much you love him.
Love,
Mommy
Daddy’s Father’s Day gift:
