Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day!

Thank you. For all the sacrifices you have made. Things that I never understood as a child- why you'd spend so much time at work (to ensure your family was provided for), why I got spanked (when I was up to no good), why you pushed me when I wanted to give up. For your love, support and quiet strength, and for being the role model you are.

Being a parent changes one's perspective, doesn't it? I see things a bit differently now. Like how noisy babies on a plane don't bother me anymore (if anything else, I give them a look of empathy). You look at not just the beauty of the world, but the hidden dangers that may hurt your child. You avoid taking unnecessary risks, to keep your kids safe. You get excited over not cars, but over cute kiddie dresses, or nail paint colors, or stick-on earrings. Your TV spends most of its time tuned in to NickJr or Disney. 

You're convinced that your greatest achievement in this world, is having those kids in your life. And part of you fears the inevitable day, then your kids leave home and start their own journeys into the real world, and you can only hope that you gave them a good enough of life's roadmap to make the right choices.

To all the dads, granddads, dads-to-be: Happy Father's Day!