Father's Day - #1

Now that Ella’s been around for lo these past eight months, it has occurred to me once or twice that I am now a father. Reminders have come in the form of dirty diapers, interrupted sleep and toys strewn across our domestic landscape – the latter creating a surprisingly challenging obstacle course out of our home.

However, the arrival of Father’s Day is driving the point home in a different way. For 33 years, Father’s Day has always meant a celebration of dad – my dad. It’s odd to think that from now on, Father’s day is about me as much as my father. Although perhaps it’s not entirely different, because I feel like I’m fulfilling the familiar refrain, “You’re becoming just like your father.” And not just in having less hair on top and more everywhere else.

Luckily for me, this adage is more of a complement than the stern warning it might serve for others. When it comes to fatherhood, I would be happy to be just like my father. I have many fond memories from my childhood, and more are generated with each passing year. My dad always made sure us kids had a lot of fun and plenty of experiences growing up. Whether it was a cross country road trip to Mount Rushmore or attending all my basket games in high school, my dad was always looking out for me.

Now that I’m a father, I hope to be the same type of mentor, nurturer and activities coordinator that my father was. I never knew what being a father would feel like, but now that I am one, I understand so much more of what my parents went through (Thank you Mom and Dad!). My life has been forever changed, but in an extremely wonderful way.

Looking into Ella’s eyes and seeing the love she returns is magical. I am very blessed to have such a wonderful daughter. I am also blessed to have the best partner a father can have. I’m constantly amazed at how incredible Megan is as a mother. Her love, patience and perseverance seem endless.

While being a father of an eight-month-old is challenging, I know that Megan has shouldered the brunt of the work to date. I also know payback lies in the years ahead, and that’s okay. Ella is worth every ounce of effort. So, Ella, thanks for being such a sweet, cute baby. Oh, and extra points for crawling towards me after I walk in the house from work. You already know how to win your father’s heart.