The White House

The White House

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

What Is A Father?

We've been slapped in the face a lot lately with the turmoils of parenting, shared custody, blended families, time slipping by so quickly.  It's given me (and really all of us) time to contemplate what FAMILY really means, and on this holiday, What Is A Father?
Helping to create a life is not what makes a man a father; a man is a Dad when that child is such a part of his heart, thoughts and actions every minute of every day that no sacrifice is too great for that child.

My five children have been blessed to be raised by the most selfless man I know. For almost half of Nick's life, for half of Elijah's life and for over half of Emily's life my husband has loved, cared for, cherished, protected, laughed with, supported, comforted, educated and accepted my children as if they were his own. Add Olivia and Lucas to our home and those five children are being raised by the most giving Dad and truly have a blessed life.

I can tell you all the wonderful things my husband is, but I'm going to tell you what he isn't....

He isn't a father who says, "No, we can't do that". He's the father who makes it happen.

You will never hear him tell a child....
that he's too tired from a long day at work to change a bike tire, put in a stereo or play catch.

You will never hear him tell a child....
that he can't play because he's relaxing. He always has time to play.

No time is ever his time; all time belongs to his kids which is why even after a ten or twelve hour day you will find him at the football game or fixing the dirt bike or at a school concert or in the basketball stands or....... building a greenhouse with Emily (for Emily) on Father's Day.


My kids love and respect this man with all that they have in them. He's never let them down, turned his back when they've gotten in trouble, missed an opportunity to praise their successes; He's been standing right beside them through so many milestones...birthdays, holidays, graduations from elementary, middle and high schools. He doesn't hang out with his buddies....his buddies are his kids, his family.

Yes, he is almost too good to be true, but I know he is because he is here every single day with each one of us sharing every laugh and tear. My kids totally get how lucky they are to have a father they can depend on. (Thank you honey for giving them the life they deserve).


And just for fun.....Homer and Olivia....

and with Lucas. We should have had a dozen more! :)

10 comments:

Lori Skoog said...

A beautiful tribute to Homer. I love the last two pictures of him with Olivia and Lucas.

Shannon said...

So sweet. What precious kiddos you have too.. love those cheeks on Lucas

Patty said...

Happy Fathers Day Homer!

Queen-Size funny bone said...

Many could take a lesson from Homer and your entire family dynamic. It is wonderful. p.s. what is the raft made of?

Kim@Snug Harbor said...

Gayle: This is what I like about you so much and why I constantly come to your blog - because at the end of the day, you ARE a family. And when your kids are grown up they are going to remember all of this and KNOW that they are part of something wonderful.

Corey~living and loving said...

What a treasure. I'm so glad that you all know how lucky you are to have him. ♥

Tara said...

AWESOME!! I am glad y'all have Homer and he has you! :)

Janie said...

Your kids are very lucky.
My Steve was great with the kids, too, and even though they're grown now, I love watching their relationship with their dad.

anymommy said...

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. I love those pictures - you should have had a dozen more! And it brought tears to my eyes, your words about how he is never too tired to play or help them. I often am. What a gift.

Bethany said...

He sounds like a fantastic dad :) My dad is very similar- encouraging us to do everything we can! Hope you are enjoying your summer & that the real summer warmth comes soon!