Ah, To Truly Be A Father...

Happy Father's Day, Dave! I know that you were a little nervous about being a father. I know you weren't sure you would have enough time to be the kind of father you wanted to be. I know you weren't sure how a child would fit into your life, after 40 years of life without one. And I know that you have turned out to be a fantastic father.

Fantastic fathers listen patiently to everything you have to say, even if they don't totally understand everything you are saying.

Fantastic fathers are always there for hugs when you really need one.

Fantastic fathers know how to be silly and how to make you laugh and giggle until your sides hurt.

Fantastic fathers try to show you all the neat stuff that the world has to offer.

Fantastic fathers take the time to let you know that you are truly special and that they will always love you no matter what.

I know these things because I have a fantastic father. And all the things that I have always seen and loved in him, I see in you when I watch you with Dashell, and I love you more and more for each and every one of them.

Dave, you are wonderful with our son and, man, does he love you! Knowing how much he loves you, it should have been no surprise that he chose Father's Day to call you "dada" for the first time. Not once, but many times!

It was so special to spend the day together.

Going to breakfast...














...and then to swim class and watching how excited he was to "jump" off the wall into your arms...














...and then finally going to the aquarium and listening as you pointed out the all the interesting fish and sea creatures to him.



















Every time I watch you with Dashell, I fall more and more in love you. You are so loving and so generous of spirit. You are truly everything a great father should be and more.

I love you so much! I hope you had not only a wonderful Father's Day, but also a wonderful first year as a father. You truly have been fantastic!