Father's Day

First, let me say I know I screwed myself when I said I'd do this every other day or so. I haven't heard the end of how late I am in posting a second blog, and to everyone who cares, I apologize. I promise this at least -- I will do my very best to get better about this!

Ok, now onto the subject at hand. Father's Day. What a glorious, under-appreciated holiday - unless you are a clothing store, car dealership, or home-improvement store. As with every other holiday in this country, Father's Day has become a commercialized excuse for "this year's biggest sale", and it makes my stomach flip. "Show Dad how much you care by coming to our place and throwing down hundreds ... wait! No! THOUSANDS of dollars on a new flat-screen plasma tv!" Gag.

But I like to take the time to think back on how lucky I am for the three fathers in my life, and really appreciate how good I've got it. My Dad, my husband, and my father-in-law raise the bar when it comes to Dads, and they all make me so proud. Thinking back on the 5.5 years Aaron has been a Dad, it's still awesome to see him with his boy even to this day. Granted, they already butt heads from time to time (and I've heard this will only get worse until Zach's in his 20's), but there is a strong bond there between them that warms my heart.

The early days

Zach looks up so much to Aaron, so I'm grateful that Aaron sets such a good example. Zach has always wanted to be "Daddy's little helper", and Aaron's patience and teaching have been something that would melt your heart. Zach still says that he wants to be just like Daddy when he grows up, except for the bald head. (That kid has quite the sense of humor for a 5-yr old.)

Getting older

Everyone has always said that Zach is a spitting image of Aaron, and to me, that's a compliment. He's funny, playful, sensitive, sweet, and full of love for Mommy, just like his Dad. Some girl will be lucky some day to snag Zach, and maybe she & I can sit around sharing stories about all the great things he does that mirror the great things his Dad did. To quote our son, Aaron's the best Daddy he ever had. Hats off to you Aaron, my love, my friend, my baby's Daddy.

They always say you pick someone to marry that is like your opposite-sex parent. Thankfully, in my case, that is very true. My Dad taught me what to expect from a guy not only by his words, but by his actions. He was always there for us girls, whether it be for fun or tragedy.

My Dad was always concerned about teaching us how to live on our own & not be dependent upon a man, but instead to enjoy being a team with a man. Not to rely on a man for everything we need, but that it was also ok to let someone be your knight-in-shining-armor. He taught me what to expect on a date not by lecturing me, but by our "date nights", where he would take me to dinner and a movie or comedy club, and show me how things should go on an evening out. He taught me & my sister how to throw a ball, change a flat, and to never hit your man. I remember him telling me to never hit a guy unless you were ready to get hit back. (That was good advice.) He told me & my sister that when we were on a date, we could call him at any hour to come get picked up should the guy turn out to be a groping a-hole. He told me all through high-school that the guys I thought were my friends were really in love with me, because until guys are 42, guys didn't know HOW to be friends with a woman. They always had alterior motives. I blew this off repeatedly, yet he never threw it in my face when I was venting on him about how so-and-so got drunk at a party and confessed their undying love to me & ruined our friendship. He's always been looking out for me, and I am so lucky.

I had an amazing example to live with growing up, which I fully believe helped me pick an amazing guy to end up having a kid with. Aaron won my Dad over early on, when he came to their house to change the brakes on my car - in the dead of summer, in 100+ degree heat, with nothing but a smile on his dirt-streaked face. These two men have made a monumental impact on my life, and without them, I'd be a different person.

Contrary to popular belief, fathers DO matter. Of course, there will always be a few in the crowd that aren't worth the dirt they walk on, but that doesn't discount the impact Dads have on their kids. This world has become a man-bashing, femi-nazi type environment, and to that I say "poo". Fathers play a huge role in a child's life, whether they are present or not, and they should be given more credit for that role. Maybe if men knew how appreciated they are as Dads, or how important they are, there would be less children out there visiting their Dads every other weekend. The best thing me and my women folk can do for our children is nurture the relationship we have with their father. Kids need their Dads - I know I did.

DAD'S RULE!