When I was growing up, I was lucky enough to have two present, loving parents who always made sure that I had my homework done, food in my stomach, and fun activities to do at home. Being a daddy's girl, I remember my dad taking me for rides on the four-wheeler, teaching me to ride my bike, wrestling with me on the trampoline, and coaching my softball team. My dad was always there for me, and to this day we have a great relationship.
Unfortunately, many children don't have a present father in their lives. When I became a single mom, I constantly worried about my son's development because I was aware of how important a father is. Thankfully, the Lord has blessed my son with many father-like figures and positive male role models.
With Father's Day approaching, I wanted to take the time to say "Thank you!" to some of the father figures in my son's life.
Chris. Thank you for taking the time to always talk to Isaac when you come and pick up Nicholas after work. I know after a long, hard day, it would be easy to just grab Nicholas and head home to shower, but you always make a point to tell Isaac hello, ask him about his day, and offer to take him home with you. When you first started coming by, Isaac would hide from you and act shy, but now he is so comfortable with you that he tries to follow you out the door. Thank you for taking the time to acknowledge Isaac and make him feel important.
Mike. When I drop Isaac off at the church nursery every Sunday morning, he is looking for you before we make it through the sign-in desk. When I sneak back to check on him during the welcoming song, Isaac is always in your lap, in your arms, or sitting close to you. I have watched you play blocks with him, feed him cookies, and rock him to sleep. You have cuddled him, talked to him, and given him special attention. Thank you for showing Isaac compassion and making him feel safe and loved.
Erik. When you walk through the kitchen door to visit, Isaac shrieks with joy and barrels into your legs. After you pick him up, he covers your face in wet baby kisses and holds on to you tightly. I am not surprised that he loves you. Every time he sees you, you hold him, play with him, talk to him, feed him, or cuddle and read him a story. He knows when you walk in that you're not just here to visit me. You come to see Isaac, too. Over the last year, you have been a constant in his life. You have helped with bath time, read bedtime stories, and given goodnight kisses. You have attended doctor visits, helped plan his birthday party, and loved him like your own. Thank you for giving Isaac a permanent place in your heart and showering him with love.
Dad (aka Granddaddy). Dad, thank you for taking the time with Isaac that you do. I know when I was seventeen you thought you were almost done raising kids, but you didn't let that stop you from stepping up to the plate when Isaac was born. You put the crib together, you painted the nursery, and you have put together countless toys. You have read stories, raced toy cars, and watched more Sesame Street than you would like to remember. You have even taken Isaac down to the car shop to "help" fix cars. You have helped provide for Isaac when things were tight and always made sure he has what he needs. Thank you for providing for Isaac and showing him what a responsible, hardworking man is.
Jesus. Jeremiah 49:11 - "Leave your fatherless children; I will keep them alive; and let your widows trust in me.” To the Lord God, thank You for constantly blessing our family and making ways for us to find peace and hope. Thank You for being the ultimate provider and always coming through for us. Thank You for keeping Isaac safe, happy, and healthy. Please help Isaac and I continue on the right path that you have laid out for us. Above all, thank You for blessing me with such a special little boy. He has enriched my life in so many ways, and I cannot wait to see what You have planned for him. Thank You for Your everlasting love and thank You for bringing so many Godly men into Isaac's life.
This Father's Day, make sure to show appreciation to the men in your life, whether they be your father, stepfather, grandfather, or just another special man who has made it a priority to love you. Isaac has many other various role models and without all of these incredible men, I would still worry about Isaac's future. However, I know that with their guidance and love, Isaac will one day be the man God intended for him to be. For the men who take time with another man's child, thank you all. You never know how important that time is, even if it is something small, like just saying hello. You are appreciated!
Thank you.
