Did you ever play that game where if you won it was “for keeps?” Sometimes in marbles you play for keeps which might be where I got the notion. In a past conversation with my sister during a difficult time for her and her kids – I made the statement that “Fathers can be forgotten. But Daddys are for keeps.” I think it was in that moment that I fully realized that I do not equate “father” with “daddy” – and that to me there is a very real and solid difference between the two words. Yes my father and my boys’ father is a father but more than that they are a Dad.
In my younger teen years I became aware of a difference between my relationship with my Dad and some of my friends’ relationship with their Dads. It wasn’t something I shouted about. And it wasn’t something that I even really fully appreciated until I was an adult. I talk to my Dad. Given that he lives with us in our crazy house that is probably a very good thing now. But a lot of my high school friends didn’t talk to their Dad. Well they would check in and ask for a few bucks. But they didn’t seem to ever talk to their dads about stuff or history or anything. I have long enjoyed being able to talk to my dad about current events, the latest book I read or those touchy subjects like politics. The door is always open and I am always welcomed to come have a chat.
My boys are blessed with a father who loves being a dad. He frets during the busy season that he’s missing out on what’s going on. And makes special dates with his boys to simply be together for a bit during tax time (crazy hours). He provides the boys an opportunity to be rough and tumble boys with games of wrestling, tag and swords. They love and take advantage of his willingness to play with them. He plays the wii games and endures the ribbing of small people who can “kick his butt”.
He listens to a thousand and one stories all tumbling out in the first 10 minutes he’s home each night. He fights for his night to read story books so that I don’t get them all. He gives hugs and attention freely without hesitation. When they were tiny he held them, rocked them and snuggled them. As they’ve gotten bigger he works with them, runs with them and talks to them. And they in turn love him all the more.
This weekend I am thankful for the Daddys for keeps in my life. Happy Daddy Day!
