I can count on one hand how many dance recitals, piano recitals, cheer practices, and other various activities that I remember my “father” (read: sperm donor) attending when I was growing up. I always knew I could count on my mom to be in attendance and be my #1 fan but he was always a wildcard. My mom always filled the role of mother and father for me so I never felt like I was missing out…that is, until Father’s Day rolled around.
My disdain for Father’s Day continued to grow as I got older and the world of social media evolved. Each year, I would avoid Facebook on Father’s Day because I didn’t want to read the sappy posts about how much so-and-so loved and appreciated their dad.
This year, though, I have a reason to celebrate Father’s Day; this year, I get to witness my husband celebrating his first Father’s Day!
One of my most important requirements when looking for a spouse was that he would be a good father to my future kids and I knew Jacob would pass that test with flying colors after watching him with my foster kids. When I told him we were expecting, he was ecstatic; when he found out we were having a girl, he was elated; when he first felt her move, he was amazed; and when he saw her for the first time, he fell in love.
As I watched him sit by her NICU isolette for hours on end each and every day, I fell more and more in love with this wonderful man I chose to marry.
We had to practically pry him away from her every day and force him to go to work so that he could save his PTO for once she was home. After working all day, he would then promptly return to her side. When he wasn’t trying to comfort her in the isolette, he was trying to console me and stop my never-ending stream of tears.
Since we have been home, he has changed more diapers and burped her more times than me and is always willing to do anything to help (even at 3:00 in the morning).
I have no doubt that this little Princess will have her Daddy at every activity she is involved in, be escorted to countless Father-Daughter Dances, and be walked down the wedding aisle by her doting father (when she is 35) while I cry on the sidelines.
This year, I am excited for Father’s Day because it represents a fresh start and the beginning of a wonderful father/daughter relationship.