A Father's Love

This Father's Day, I want to say Thank You to a man who loves his daughters beyond comprehension, who sacrifices so much for them, who always knows what they need, and who has always been there.

Adrian, you have faced challenges unlike many fathers and yet through it all you made the choice each day to give the best you could that day for our girls. You have said many times, they are the ones who keep you going.

As I looked back through photos and memories, I could not help but wonder how many are lost to you...how many of these precious memories did the seizures take away? I hope this can help you relive some of your most intimate moments of fatherhood.

Daddy and his girls last year on Father's Day

You Have Been There

From the Beginning You have been there

You held my hand when I delivered our firstborn 

You fell completely in love from the moment you laid eyes on her

And her uniqueness made you love her even more

You were there for Adria when I was recovering from my surgery and could not be

You sat with her for hours in the NICU after her back surgery

You were the first to hold her

You held her when she needed you most

You were the first to feed her

When mommy could not be there to feed her, you did

You were the first to pat her back and hear her baby burp

Though many strings attached were attached to her, none were as fastened as your heart strings

From those first days, your bond with her was precious and unique

None of us realized then how deep and enduring your bond would be

But then again, maybe you did

You knew your life was completely changed

And you were the love she knew those first four days 

You held her close and promised to give her your best

And she knew you meant it

You wiped her tears

And calmed her fears

You told her about mommy, so we could bond too

You brought her home

And taught her to relax

And introduced her to Max

You held her close and let her feel your heart beat

You smiled as she slept

Early on you took her to the beach

And the Zoo

You always let her rest on your chest

You smiled back at her

You celebrated your 30th birthday with her

You snuggled with your two favorite little ones

You fell asleep together

You dedicated her life to God

You gave her the first sip of coffee (bad boy ;)

She had you totally wrapped around her finger, as she wrapped her fingers around yours

You walked with her through storms

You carried her through personal storms

You were her greatest comfort after brain surgery at six months old

And her biggest support when she started wearing her leg braces

She looked so much like you

Even from behind

You traveled with her

You were there with her in the Pocono Mountains

As we celebrated our 5th Anniversary

And for Christmas in Vermont

You were there with her in Ocean City, MD

And in the hills of Maine...

You gave her the chance to explore

You were there on Delaware beaches

You carried her on your shoulders

And even let her eat your hair

You worked together

You celebrated together

And when you first Fell Down, she stood by your side

In fact, at 16 months she had just learned to stand while holding on

She even prayed for you

You introduced her to a new life in Indianapolis

Where she stood tall on your shoulders

And enjoyed the White River Gardens

The Indy State Fair

The impressive Children's Museum

The charm of Nashville, Indiana in the fall

The beautiful state forests

The Eiteljorg Museum

The elephants at the Indianapolis Zoo

And walks along the city skyline

You were there when she got her first taste of the Caribbean

Relaxing in the sun 

And the waters of Turks & Caicos

You introduced her to horses

When you needed her comfort, she was there for you

You were there when I needed a photographer to celebrate our second daughter coming

You were there when Johanna

Made your heart grow even larger

You were completely taken by this second daughter too

You cared for them during the long days in Virginia

You always were the best at calming them down

You took Johanna for rides on tractors

And helped her love the ocean too

You carried Johanna on your shoulders

And slid down hills

You even tried to teach her your favorite sport, disc golf

You encourage them to read

Whether their books or yours

You go to great lengths

Just to give them a little extra joy

You know when to have fun

And when to hold them close

You encourage them to keep trying

And help with life's tough decisions (what color braces)

You even surprised them with a giant snowman

You give sweet Daddy kisses

And just the other day you introduced them to a Horseshoe crab

YOU ARE THE BEST FATHER OUR GIRLS COULD EVER HAVE

Because you are always There

You teach them our Father's Love by selflessly giving yours.

With Love and Gratitude,

Your Wifey