When I was young, I was estranged from my dad for the better part of my childhood. My parents were divorced and didn't really see "eye to eye." To be quite honest, they were always slinging insults at one another (via me.. the "messenger"). I loved both of my parents, and the last thing I wanted, was to be in the middle of my parent's battle (which coincidentally did have a lot to do with me - which made it even harder for me to digest). Such an unfair act to place upon a child's shoulder.
Fast forward many years later, and I am in a great place with my parents. My parents finally grew up. Gone are the days of hate. Instead, my Mom always asks how my Dad and his wife are doing (with sincerity), and my Dad does the same. This eases a huge burden on me. Gone are the days of snide comments and lack of respect. Gone are the days of tug of war. Gone are the days of tears.
I always swore that no matter what, I would never allow my children to grow up in that type environment. I would work hard to keep my marriage intact - no matter what obstacles occurred. I dreamed of the white picket fence, the dog, two kids and a loving husband. I can say with certainty, I have the life that I dreamt of all those years. I can't say that it has always been an easy road. Like all marriages, we have had our fair share of adjusting to one another, and learning to grow together. I haven't always been the perfect wife and my husband has not always been the perfect husband. With that said, who is "perfect?" We certainly are not, but for all the trials and tribulations we have endured, we have always come out ahead and stronger than before.
One thing that has not ever wavered was the devotion to our children. We have built a life where our kids come first. If a label had to be placed on the person who is the most selfless in our family - it would be my husband. Sure, on Sundays and Mondays, he checks out to watch football, but that man never wants for anything. He refuses to take on hobbies, because it would remove him from his family (his military career takes him away from our family more than I care to recollect). His sole purpose in life is to make us happy.
My husband can take care of our girls, just as well as I can. His eyes light up when his girls enter the room. All of his thoughts, his actions, his motives are all centered on creating a better life for his children. Selfless. I wrote my husband an email wishing him a Happy Father's Day, and I will share with you an exert of what I wrote him:
"I had no idea what a wonderful father you would have been the day I said, "I do," I have been pleasantly surprised along our journey."
The truth is, when I met my husband, I knew he was a great man. He came from a very tight-knit family. He spoke highly of his parents. He seemed to have a true sense of what family meant to him. I knew he would make a great Daddy one day, but I never expected the magnitude to which his greatness would reach.
I am forever grateful for his devotion and love to our children and want to say Happy Father's Day to the most amazing Daddy I've ever known!
