Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's day to my two favorite father's...my own sweet dad and my husband. Liam woke up this morning and said "Father's Day is a day you remember to be thankful for all the things your dad does for you..." So that is exactly what I am going to do...

Dear Dad,

Thank you for always being there for me and as the years go on, also there for my children. I love hearing all of your great stories from childhood. You are without a doubt my favorite storyteller. Thanks for raising your girls not entirely like girls. You taught us how to catch a football, field a pop-fly and a grounder and even how to put new brake pads on a car. Thankfully, I've never had to do it but I take solace in the fact that if I ever had to...I could. Possibly. Or at the very least, know if someone else was doing it correctly.

Thanks for always being there to reassure me and lend a comforting hug. On some of the darkest days of my life I took great comfort in those hugs and reassurances. No matter how old I get I am still very much a child.

Thanks for all of those Sunday afternoons when we would either go to a movie, head to the river to fish or go on a long drive into the country to discover and explore some unknown historical relic. I believe we probably know more Ohio Historical landmarks then the average historian. Thanks for taking us out to get ice cream cones and sundaes in Prospect and for always bringing us candy home in the special "candy grab bag". Now that I think about it, I am fairly certain you are the one who created my candy and ice cream addiction...

And lastly, thanks for giving so much of yourself even when you probably felt as if there was nothing more to give. You are the type of dad who, if asked, would give the shirt off your back to keep us warm, the roof over your head to keep us dry and the food off your plate to keep us full. The funny thing about becoming a parent yourself is the realization of how difficult a job raising children is. It makes you realize just how skilled and adept your own parents are. You (and Mom) are wonderful. I love you and I thank you with all my heart.

Now to my other favorite dad...

Dear Ken,

Thank you for being such a wonderful father to our two very energetic boys. And even more importantly, thank you for loving each child equally, even if one of them has DNA different from your own. The most important thing our boys can know is how much we love them and you do a great job showing this equally to each.

Thanks for your seemingly boundless energy--especially on the days when mine is lacking. I am always amazed and a bit envious with your playtime creativity. I take great pleasure watching you play with them (building obstacle courses in the back yard, creating snow forts, developing a super water-slide into the pool, etc.). It is at these times that I see your truly boyish side shining through and I love it. Thank you for all that you do for us each and every day and for loving me even when there are times when I am not so lovable.

Happy Father's Day. I love you.