fa⋅ther [fah-ther]
–noun
1. a male parent.
It is incredible to me, that in the English language, there are many words that mean so much more but can be summed up using so little explanation. As seen above, Dictionary.com defines father as a male parent. In all its accuracy, this definition hardly encompasses all that a father truly is or can be.
As a child, I believed that my dad was the most amazing dad on earth. He was silly — performing tricks like “the snake” and “bend the spoon” — when out to dine. He was wise — teaching us tidbits including “never divorce the salt and pepper” and “thank you. it was delicious. excuse me.” — with my mom’s assistance. He was a friend — joining me for turkey noodle soup day at school and teaching cooking on campouts — times that mattered more than he could ever know. He was a coach — letting us never take a call third strike and reinforcing the importance of the layup — because he loved the game. He was an example — always kissing my mom goodbye and hello — a true role model. He was and continues to be, a phenomenal father.
Because of my dad’s guidance, support, and example, I married a man who is just as amazing at being a husband and a father (even a bit more). My parents always stressed that in marriage … in parenthood … you must be a team, you must love your spouse openly and you must continue to focus on your relationship as a couple … after all, the perfection that we find in our children would never be if we had never found each other. In Adam, I’ve found a true partner in crime … a man who is truly more than I could’ve wished for and whom I adore.
For the first time in my life, this is the year that I believe my dad is the second most amazing dad on earth. Adam is silly — playing super baby and bouncing Barrett about. He is wise — telling Barrett about please and thank you. He is a friend — passing smiles and kisses to double B whenever the opportunity presents itself. He is a coach — teaching rolling over and talking of future kicking dreams. He is an example — in everything he does. To see your husband become a father is like a smile from God and I believe that Adam is the most amazing dad I’ve ever known.
While the title of father can be relegated to anyone who is a male parent I tip my hat to all of the wonderful fathers I know who are so very much more. Happy Father’s Day!
