This past Sunday was Father’s Day, and I have been blessed with two amazing dads in my life — my own father and my husband.
I’m a daddy’s girl. He gave me a love for Jesus, sports, and music. He taught me football positions and plays. He taught me how to box out and shoot a jump shot in basketball. He taught me how to throw a baseball and made me a die-hard Cubs fan. He coached me in basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer and cheered me on in swimming and volleyball, never missing a game/meet. He ran my first marathon with me and taught me to jump into the lake instead of slowly easing in (“1, 2, 3, ready, set, go!”).
My dad gave me my talent and love for music and singing. From church choir to duets, we have sung a lot together. He has always found the balance to push me to be better without pushing me away. He is quick with a joke and a hug.
Most importantly, my dad has shown me how to love others and serve Jesus. He has taught me patience and flexibility. He models what it means to put God first and love your family diligently. In fact, so much of what I love in my dad I see in my husband as well.
My husband constantly amazes me with his grace, forgiveness, patience, and faith.
He is a servant. He constantly works behind the scenes to help others out. He spends hours volunteering at our church with IT services. He quickly helps out when a friend needs a hand (moving, building a swing set, etc.). He faithfully coaches our son’s travel baseball team…which includes scheduling games and practices, reserving fields, and communicating with parents and other team coaches. He finds joy in helping others.
He demonstrates to me how to love others without fear. He truly cares for people and seeks for reconciliation (when I would just walk away). His love for Jesus shines in the way he pours his life out for others — from high schoolers, to young kids, to neighbors, to my parents and family.
My husband is an incredible dad. From coaching Edmund’s baseball and Elise’s basketball, to going to sporting events, Six Flags, and Star Wars conventions, he creates special memories with our children. He makes our children feel loved, cherished, and safe.
He challenges me to get out of the house, when the introvert in me wants to always stay home, but never makes me feel bad about it. He encourages me and supports me, while helping me to see the world through different lenses — to be more empathetic and gracious to others.
Both of these men have modeled Christ to their children in the way they parent with love, humor, and grace.
I’m thankful to have a dad that is also my best friend.
I’m thankful and proud to be known in the neighborhood as “Walter’s wife”. 😉
