Happy Father's Day

I complain about my husband often in my posts because, well, that's what he's there for. But he is a rather remarkable person, especially when it comes to his kids.

My husband became a husband and father for the first time when he was 20. At the time, he had grand plans to go college and law school. But he made a commitment to his new family. However, he never gave up his plans. So he worked full time, went to school and helped take care of his son. The marriage lasted the length of a sneeze and he became a single father. He took primary custody of his son. So, he worked even harder and continued with his schooling, devoting himself to making a better life for him and his son. He finished his AA and fought with the law school to let him in. They didn't have any rules on the books saying a four year degree was required for entry and my husband used the loophole. While going to law school, he continued to work at a day job but still made sure he had time for his son.

When I met him, his son was 11. He hired me to be his secretary (isn't that cute?) and he gave me certain rules. If his son called, interrupt at all times. He left the office by 3:30 on Tuesdays for his son's baseball practices. He always left the office by 5:30 so he could get home to be with his kid. His child always took top priority. When we got married and started having kids, nothing changed, in fact, he is even more stringent about his time rules.

He is out of the office no later than 5:30. He has been blasted by other lawyers because he refuses to work after 5:30. He has always coached our kids' sports teams, so there are weeks where he leaves even earlier to get to practice and games.

He does not go out with the guys except for the occasional poker game on a Saturday night every other month or so. When he comes home, he is either playing sports with the kids, pushing them on the swing, taking the girls for a ride in the powerwheels Barbie car, playing a video game with our son, watching a kiddy movie or playing a board game. He has an endless well of patience with our kids, one I wish I had even a tenth of.

I have never seen a person more devoted to the happiness of his children. He planned our yard with them in mind. When we got married, we killed ourselves buying a house in the city we live in so his son could be in a great school district. No sacrifice is too great for his kids.

He spoils them, but they are genuinely happy. They are secure knowing they have a father who thinks they are the greatest humans in the world. I only hope they appreciate it and, when they become parents, try and emulate him. It would be the best Father's Day gift they could give.

Happy Father's Day everyone.