Southwick: Our Forever Family: Father's Day!

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Father's Day!

Today is a very special day...it's the day we celebrate the amazing men in our lives who have been blessed to carry the title of father! There have been several men in my life (e.g., uncles, grandpa, friend's fathers, etc.) who have impacted my life in some way, but my own father and my amazing husband surpass them all. I was blessed to be raised by a kind, patient, loving, positive man. He taught me how to find and relish life's small joys; to fill the world with love; to face life with courage; to find strength in prayer and the gospel. He has been ever loving and ever attentive. He is my perfect dad! I miss not being able to celebrate the day with him in person, but I was grateful to be able to Skype with him that evening.

Instead of being with my dad (as I have been in practically all the years past), I was able to celebrate the first Father's Day with my husband. Words can't begin to describe the type of amazing father Jeff is. I never had to guess what type of father Jeff would be because I was able to observe it first hand. I have always admired how dedicated he is to the role he plays as a father. He saw the children through some very traumatic moments in their lives. He has been patient, loving, positive, strong, faithful father. The fact that the children are as resilient, stable, and amazing as they are is a true testament to the type of father Jeff has been throughout the years. In many ways, Jeff reminds me of my own father - and that's high praise! I love Jeff's ability to laugh and have fun with the kids. I love that he doesn't take things too seriously and knows which battles to fight. He definitely deserved to be celebrated today...so I got up early and made blueberry crumb muffins, fried eggs, and a hashbrown/bacon casserole to get the day started. My dad always used to say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Since it was Sunday, we went to church then Jeff had a few meetings to attend before coming home to enjoy a nice afternoon nap. That evening I made (with the kids' help...and Jeff's too - I couldn't convince him to go sit down!) Indian Fry Bread for Navajo Tacos (Jeff's choice) and cinnamon/sugar scones topped with ice cream and caramel topping for dessert. Jeff opened his gifts and we stopped in to see Jeff's dad as well. I am so grateful to him as well. I realize it's only been a short time since I've been a Southwick, but from day one I have always felt as if I were a part of the family. Jeff's dad (and mom) has sacrificed so much for Jeff...and is still so willing to help out in any way he can. I am amazed by his desire to serve and his ability to love. I feel so privileged to have him as a father-in-law. All in all, it was a nice, relaxing Sunday. It was the perfect day to celebrate the amazing men in my life! Happy Father's Day to all!!