This past Sunday was Father's Day - a day to celebrate all the wonderful ways that the Father's in our lives make our worlds more colorful. Scott, the kids and I were fortunate enough to celebrate the day surrounded by my family - my brother and his kids and my parents. It really was a wonderful day - relaxing, pretty calm and enjoyable for all of us.
As I sat around our table surrounded by my Dad, my brother and my husband, I realized that I am one lucky girl.
First off, I have my Dad here with me to celebrate this day. I have many friends / co-workers that are my age that are not so lucky. Thankfully, he has chosen to take care of himself and keep himself healthy into his 60's despite having a challenging family history of diabetes and high cholesterol. I am so grateful that I have a loving, warm relationship with him. I think of all the girls and women in this world that are estranged from their fathers - or worse - don't know who their fathers are - and I am saddened. What must Father's Days be like for them - or for their fathers??
I think about what my life would or would NOT be without my Dad's influence. He has been there for me in so many ways - shaping my life and my personality. He was my coach in softball, my own personal instructor in golf, my mentor in life. He has listened gently when I needed him to, he has also raised his voice a time or two to keep my butt in line when I needed him to. Most importantly - he just gets me - I mean he truly knows me and what is in my heart. Maybe it is because we are so much alike in spirit. Without him, my life would not have been nearly as funny, nearly as sweet, nearly as easy. He is my Keeper of the Captain, my constant jokester, my every-day hero and I love him so very much. Happy Father's Day, Dad. I'm the luckiest girl alive to have you as my Dad and my friend. You make my world a little more wonderful just by being in it.
Secondly, I have a wonderful brother who has an amazing family (Dean's wife was home on Sunday not feeling very well, so pictured above is Dean, Clay and Morgan). They have been through a lot these past few years and they keep coming through the clouds with strength and determination to smile each day. Amazing. I always get such a kick out of having all our kids together with my brother. Dean and I are the "easily frustrated" parenting group, while our spouses keep the peace and maintain composure - a trait that I am sure we both wish we had more of. I find that when we are together with our kids, we sound like twins - telling our kids the same things, warning them in the same way, using the same threats that were used on us as kids. It was this day that it struck me...
...we have officially turned into our parents.
Lastly, I am so very lucky because the wonderful man that I married is not only a kind and loving husband, he is one of the most patient and caring fathers I have ever seen. Three little hearts beat in time when Scott walks through the door each day...waiting for their Daddy to get home to play. I watch his persona change the moment he walks through the door...his eyes light up, his posture changes and his mannerisms become more gentle and sweet. It is as if I can actually see his heart melting inside his body for these little princesses that he helped bring into this world.
There are a lot of men in this world that could not handle our daily life...three girls that are now 7, 4 and 3. (Seriously - can you imagine what Scott has to go through just to find a bathroom that doesn't have a girl in it doing some sort of primping????) The poor guy doesn't have a chance in hell of watching his own show/sport on television or playing a game of catch without someone breaking a nail and running off crying. Even the card games around our house are things like "Sleeping Queens" or "Princess Uno". There is no room for him in his own bathroom in the morning because three little bodies need Mom to brush hair, help brush teeth, etc. and his garage is now housing a plethora of Barbie bikes, scooters and skates - ALL OF WHICH ARE PINK!! It takes one confident and self-assured man to raise three girls and I am so grateful that "our man" has what it takes to put up with all of our insane behavior!! On your eighth Father's Day, Scott, I love you and am so proud of the Daddy that you have become. I know your girls own your heart - just know that you have an irreplaceable spot in ours.
This year had to be hard for Scott given his Dad was in Florida for Father's Day. But, being the champ that he is, he put on a happy face for his girls and had a great day. Dad Sewick, we miss you terribly and I know it goes without saying that Father's Day wasn't quite the same without you. We'll see you soon and we hope to celebrate on the beaches of Florida come July.
Since starting this blog, I find myself seeking more time to just sit back and contemplate our day to day happenings - a good thing I think for someone who is usually so anxious to get to the "finish line" that she forgets to enjoy the "race". So today, as I reflect on Father's Day, I believe one thing holds true: you can judge a man's character by the type of father that he is. Fortunately for me, I am surrounded by strong, caring, loving men that make fatherhood look easy - a task that is no picnic. To all of you, I am inspired and amazed by you daily. You are loved by all us Sewick women today and everyday.
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