Every Step Of The Way: One Dad’s Journey

When my daughter arrived two years later, I was the savior in the household for my wife and I because my daughter did not sleep through the night. My wife and I discovered through many tireless nights that she would fall asleep faster if she lay on my chest. I think the calmness and the steady beating of my heart enabled her to sleep. Prior to having my daughter, I never could fall asleep on my back…but that experience changed that. She and I would fall asleep like two babies. My connection with my daughter was instant and it made me realize even more how vital I was in her life with just my presence.

Fast forward 11 years later and I’m blessed to have two healthy children– now 11 and 9–and they keep me busy. My son is all-boy, which I love. He’s an above average athlete and loves playing football, basketball, and track. And he’s also a B+ student–even though my wife and I have to stay behind him with a knee in his back to maintain those grades. My daughter is a combination of tomboy/girly girl. She’s the more responsible of the two, maintains excellent grades, and likes playing sports and is heavily involved in volunteer work and the Girl Scouts.

Through it all, I’ve enjoyed the first time I’ve heard my children call me Dad, the first time I saw them walk, the way their faces light up when I walk through the door because they miss their Dad. I’ve enjoyed the family trips, and the not so “classical” musical and dance recitals, the football games, and cheer-leading performances, the trips to Chuck E. Cheese and McDonald’s, and the birthday parties that make you want to pull your hair out of your head. My children know that I will always be there for them because I love them.

I’ve been there every step of the way…as their coach, their cheerleader, their confidant, their counselor, their role model…and of course…as their Dad.

Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads!!