I know I can sometimes come off as a nag — let’s just say I like to remind you about a few things. You have this remarkable talent for strolling right by an overflowing trash can without giving it a second glance. The hamper, which is just a few feet away from that pile of your dirty clothes, seems to be a mysterious object. And those empty glasses? They seem to have found a permanent home on the counter instead of making their way to the sink. Not to mention, that landscaping project you started three years ago is still waiting for its big reveal.
But when I take a step back and look at the bigger picture, I realize these little annoyances are trivial. Sure, they can be frustrating, but they pale in comparison to the incredible things you do every day. Most importantly, you are a truly fantastic dad.
If I could have crafted a custom dad for our kids, I would have had quite the wish list. I would have asked for a man with the patience of a saint, someone who could tackle hours of middle school math homework without losing his cool (and preferably someone who actually understands it!). I would have wanted him to pass down the wisdom he learned from his own father and always be there for our kids, even if it meant rearranging his work life. I would have wished for a role model who shows our kids what it means to be a good person — helping a homeless veteran, volunteering at a food bank, secretly covering someone’s meal, or stopping to assist a driver with a flat tire. And of course, no dad is complete without a stockpile of eye-roll-inducing dad jokes!
While I couldn’t place a custom order, it turns out I got everything I wanted and more when I chose you.
You know how to be firm when it counts, even if I know it’s not your favorite role. Even when you have to be strict, the kids are well aware that you’re a big softie at heart. They know you would go to any lengths to keep them safe and happy. You’re present in their lives, always prioritizing family time and dreaming up new adventures for us to share.
You teach them everything from how to bait a hook to the importance of treating others with kindness and working hard. You encourage them to dream big, assuring them of your pride, no matter their path. You are their biggest cheerleader, their protector, and the go-to problem-solver for everything from a broken bike to a broken heart.
Like any parent, I want the best for our kids. I couldn’t ask for a greater gift for them — and for me — than the father you are. There’s nothing sweeter than seeing the love and pride on your face as you watch our children flourish. Knowing you share the same deep love for them that I do is priceless.
We often overlook the best parts of our lives. There are many parents doing it solo, who face abuse or neglect, or who have absent fathers. I’ll always remember just how fortunate we are. I cherish those moments when I catch you with our kids, stepping up as the dad they need, whether it’s the fun dad, the firm dad, or the supportive dad. My heart swells with gratitude.
So while your socks may not find their way to the hamper, and you occasionally forget to rinse out the sink after shaving, I can overlook those quirks. Because putting up with those small things is a minor price to pay for the immense value of having such a wonderful father in our lives.
With love,
Jenna