You're welcome.
But today happened, y'all. It happened, and it happened after the last week, which was full of disappointment and discouragement and all sorts of chaos. So what is a snarky blogger from way back to do without her snark?
I'm going to try on "Encouraging and Positive" and see how it fits. (Spoiler Alert: It doesn't.)
A letter, for the dads...
Dear Dads of the World (and I know you're all reading this...),
To the dads who cast aside fears and doubts when that little line turns into two (or a plus sign, or a blinking neon sign screaming that your life is about to change forever), thank you for that infinitely precious look on your face the first time you hold your child.
For every dad who spends hours every day away from his family to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table, thank you is not even enough. The perseverance it takes to go on, day by day, to maintain the status quo is nothing short of heroic.
To every dad who "makes it" in the business world and knows his true value rests in those precious bundles of potential he's brought into the world, the rest of the world thanks you for your contribution to society.
And for the dad who isn't bringing home enough gold coins to make a diving pool, and still knows he is the richest of all, let me tell you that your children stand to gain ever so much more from life than from lifestyle.
If you have ever come home, exhausted from a day's work, and spent an hour playing catch, or having a tea party, or listening to the never ending saga of the Mario Bros., you are The Man.
For any father whose child is not sitting on a curb, waiting for him to show up but knowing that he will not, you are making a difference. If you come home from work, sit on the couch, turn on the TV and generally make an ass of yourself, you're making a difference. I don't recommend doing it that way (don't throw things at me, moms!), but let me buy you a beer sometime and tell you about how much your mere presence is changing the world.
For the daddy who is reading bedtime stories tonight, tucking freshly bathed kids in, or waking up to chase another monster out from under the bed - you matter, dude. You matter a LOT.
To the dads who are able to watch proudly as their little boy or girl graduates, when they look out through the lights in their faces on stage and see you sitting there, wow. Always be the face they find when they are blinded by the world around them. Always.
To the daddy walking his little girl down the aisle, she is so proud to dance with you tonight! Your example is what led her to choose this man to partner with for the rest of her life. And all the dad dancing you've embarrassed her with through her whole life...well that just gives her more to remember.
For every dad whose children believe in him enough that they are ready to believe in bigger things, well done. If your kid knows fatherly love well enough to have an understanding of his Father, you have given him the most priceless gift.
To the dads who hold a grandchild in their arms, seasoned from the experiences of fatherhood into a man who knows exactly how precious this little child is, enjoy this time. You have earned it.
For the daddies holding the hands of their crying children in the last moments of life...
And my own dad, I may not claim to know you half the time, but that's what makes you Dad. And for the record, I'd trade a thousand "fathers" for my very own Daddy. I love you.
~MannyRee
