Why We Love Our Fathers

This Sunday, June 20th is Father’s Day. You may remember back in May, when we celebrated Mother’s Day, I dedicated my blog post to my Mom & Mother-In-Law. Well, this week, we’re dedicating the blog to all the Dad’s out there, but we’re doing things a bit differently.

This week, I wanted my post to focus on mine and Matt’s perspective of our Fathers. And we’re not just stopping there – we’re giving a shout out to Archie’s Dad (my husband Matt) as well <3.

Aren’t Dads just the coolest?! It goes something like this – Moms keep us in line, they run a tight ship, make sure we get from point A to point B. Not saying that the Dads out there don’t do this as well, but they’re there to goof around with us. Throw the ball, give piggy back rides, rally the troops, etc.

We’ve learned important life lessons from our Fathers. One important lesson I’ve learned from my Dad – do something right the first time and you won’t have to go back and do it a second. Don’t do any job halfway. Give everything your all and try your hardest – that’s what counts.

“The first pitch is always the fast ball – rip it.” Matt still hears this lesson from his Dad in his head. Isn’t this true in life as well? Own it and adjust as necessary. Take the chance, make the decision, be assertive and figure it out. It’s all about your confidence, which sets the tone for your life.

Dads tend to show their love a bit differently than Moms. My Dad loves to cook. The second you walk in, he asks if you’re hungry. This is Dad showing his love. His love language is sitting down for a meal together.

“Tell me more.” This is Matt’s Dad on the phone. He says this because he truly cares about us and the events that have filled our days. No matter how small, he wants to know, he wants to be filled in. He truly wants to know more and this is his love language.

We’ve had struggles as well. Matt and I have both had health scares with our Dads. It’s hard to explain the feeling, but those memories of baseball games and bike rides flash through your mind in an instant. You’re stuck wondering what’s next? The tables turn, you’re trying to be strong for the person who has given you strength your whole life.

We reflected a bit on our memories, too. My Dad was my buddy (still is of course). When I was little, we lived close to a High School. We would hear the band practice, I would grab my little tikes drum, hop on the back of my Dad’s bike and watch practice. We would kick the ball in the driveway, I would kick it away from my Dad just to watch him run to get it and laugh and laugh. He would do the hard stuff as well. Every afternoon after school, he would sit with me at the kitchen table while I did my homework. We practiced multiplication tables for HOURS until I got them right. Matt remembers his Dad driving him to Caldwell Park for his little league games. Then, when he was in High School, he remembers his Dad getting to the game an hour early just so he could park his car down the right field line. He was the first at every single game. His Dad was his number one fan (and of course still is <3).

Of course we have to give a shout out to Archie’s Dad, my husband Matt as well! He works so hard, puts in such long hours at work and comes home to crazy baby Archie. One thing about Matt, he puts 110% into anything he’s passionate about. His work, his sports teams and his family. Matt puts the biggest smile on Archie’s face when he walks in at the end of the day. Archie absolutely ADORES him and follows his every move. Matt makes Archie and I laugh every day. He’s always there for us and loves taking Archie to the park and going on our nightly walks. He’s going to be the best Dad on the sidelines someday.

At the end of the day, we have a lot to learn from our Dads. So this weekend, let’s sit down with them and listen to what they have to say. Let’s appreciate all the Dads out there. Let’s give them all a big hug.