Father's Day

Today is Father's Day and I can't help but think about what a great father I gave to my children. I think they're among the luckiest people in the world to have had him for their Dad, but I wonder if anyone really appreciates their own parents?

For me, "father material" was one of the most important things I looked for when I was searching for someone to spend my life with: this was non-negotiable. I loved my own father, but he was not an easy father to love. He wasn't someone who would get on the floor and play with his kids, or throw a ball around outside in a game of catch. He came home from work and wanted peace and quiet. He never attended any sporting events I participated in and rarely saw concerts or shows I was in. He had his own interests and they generally did not involved his children. I've come to believe that he did the best he could - his own father was an absent one so that's what he learned - but I missed having a father I could snuggle on the couch with or go to for a hug when I was hurting. I only remember my father kissing me once. I longed for a warm, fuzzy "dad" like the ones my friends had.

Now that we're grandparents it's with special appreciation that I lovingly watch my husband interacting with his grand kids. Just as he did as a father, he gives them 100% of his attention and love and they all adore him. They're beyond lucky. And my kids - well they learned by example just as I did. While I knew what not to look for in father material, they knew what to seek out and they did. Both my girls married men who love being with their kids and are great fathers. And I have no doubt that my sons will follow in his footsteps and be wonderful dads too. I'm very blessed.

Happy Father's Day to the father of my very lucky children!