To My Husband: Happy Father's Day

I was scrambling this morning, trying to figure out how to adequately show you how much I think of you and how amazing a daddy you are.  The fact that I left it to this morning says much more about me than it does you (and is the reason for this blog) and I apologize for not doing a better job of making you feel special.

Because you are special.

I am in awe of your parenting.  The endless enthusiasm and interest you have for Char is truly amazing.  She is a wonderful little girl and we are beyond lucky to have her, but she is also a handful, a busy little person and quite an imp.  If she isn't getting up on the table, she's bouncing on the couch, or testing her ability to scoop dangerous kitchen tools off the counter.  She wants our attention, all the time, and gratefully, she thinks we're the best thing in the world.  We should enjoy it while it lasts because it won't be long before she's embarrassed by us and longing for her independence.

You play with her, you color with her, you wrestle and chase her, feed her, change her, bathe her, dress her, bring her to the park and answer the endless calls for "Daddy" with a smile and with service. As an added bonus, you document her every move, her every meal, diaper and hour of sleep.  Oh and you take beautiful pictures too.

She is the luckiest girl I know to have you.

And truth be known, sometimes I'm jealous.  I have to work and be away from her for 8 hours or more a day and it's hard to know you have this time with her.  That you hear new words and discover new skills while I'm off earning a buck.  But I also have to be honest, in spite of the fact that I miss her terribly when I'm at work, you are the best person for the job.  I'm not saying I'm not a good mother, I'm saying you're an excellent parent, full of patience and persistence.  You're far more playful than I've allowed myself to be.  She needs this right now.

That you do all of this with a searing headache, sore joints and feeling like you have been hit by a truck is truly miraculous.  Please, never, ever focus on what you "can't" do for her, or what someone who was "healthy" would do differently - you already do more than any man (or woman) that I know.

So, no eCard,  no"real" card, gift certificate, ice cream cake, mug or t-shirt could do you justice.  

I hope this will.

Happy Father's Day love.

Mel (and Char)