Father’s Day a Baby Changes Everything

Today is Father’s Day and I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge two of the most important men in my life; my father who gave me life and my husband, who gave me new life as a mother. These two men have and will always have a place with me, I carry their heart in my heart.

Father’s Day~A Baby Changes Everything

Papi,

You have always been strong in mind, body and soul. When I was a child I ran to your strong arms to protect me from the world. Your chest was where I laid my weary toddler head for consolation from a frightening night terror. When I was a teenager, you spoke to me your words of wisdom about life but I was too young to fully comprehend the weight of the mysteries of the world that you were sharing. You are not often seen as vulnerable, but on my wedding day you wept with tears of joy and loss and I understand that now. Now that I am a woman with children of my own, your wisdom is not wasted. I crave the answers that you can give. I watch you silent in prayer, the way you still quietly approach my mother and caress the arch of her back, or the way that you play with my children with the verve and enthusiasm of a 20-year-old and I am breathless. You truly love them as much as I love them and that makes me love you even more. I am so proud to be your daughter and to continue to know you as a person and a friend.There is so much that we never know about our parents, as people (aside from just being our parent), and I cherish every secret and childhood memory that you share with me.Every glimpse of my father, the man, helps me to appreciate who you are and why you are the way you are in the world. Thank you for always loving me, even when we didn’t understand one another or agree. I love you, Papi.

My Dad & my girls & my nephew

Big Guy,

What can I say to the man who made me a mother? You changed my life forever. You are truly everything, I never knew, I always wanted in this world. You came into my life and redefined my expectations. The moment you held our daughters in your arms I saw you fall deeply in love and in doing so, I fell deeper in love with you than I ever imagined was possible. Thank you for the unconditional love that you always show our daughters( and me).The unwavering awe in which you embrace who they are and who they are becoming. Thank you for your patience and understanding even when you don’t understand fully why it is needed. Thank you for being the strong example by which our daughters will measure all men. Thank you for being my partner in parenting and not just a bystander.I love you more than I can describe and I am so happy to be on this journey of parenthood with you. No one else would ever suffice for me or the girls. All my love.

My Girls and The Big Guy; my loves in life

Father’s Day~A Baby Changes Everything

Wishing a Happiest of Father’s Day to all the men who love their children with a verve and enthusiasm! May you continue to raise daughters and sons who appreciate your worth and experience your unwavering  unconditional love.