He got to sleep in for the first time in a really, really long time. The early morning minutes ticked by and each of them asked when we could wake him up– their homemade cards piled neatly on the table next to his empty coffee cup. Patience is a virtue, right?
I had to stall them.
I called my dad (as I have every single Sunday since college) and wished him a happy homecoming from Haiti, and a happy Father’s day. We chatted about his trip and had our Sunday coffee together, a ritual I have come to love in a way that I can’t quite put into words. The kids each talked to their Boppa, which bought me (Tock, really) some time.
And then I could stall no more. The stomping of feet on the stairs surely woke him before their bodies crashing on the bed did. Their ‘Happy Father’s Day!’ exclamation rang in unison as our day finally began in earnest.
When I married Tock, I knew he would be a great husband but I had no idea what kind of father he would be. (Hell, I had no idea what kind of mother I would be!)
I have a secret to tell. When I found out I was pregnant with Abby, I was ridiculously scared. I cried and whimpered and fell apart at the seams. I was so very afraid of failing…. of not doing it right… of not being ready… of a million different things. We had been married for a mere 9 months, we were babies ourselves. Tock literally picked me up and put me back together. He said “We can do this. We’re doing this. It’s going to be awesome.” Fast forward 11 years…..
These kids worship him. It’s not always easy, and we’re still navigating our way through this parenting maze, but one thing is for certain– this guy is an amazing father.
So, happy Father’s Day to my Daddido, and my wonderful Father-in-law, but especially– most especially– to my husband. We can do this. We’re doing this. It’s going to be awesome.
I do not tear up easily. But this is inspiring. Thanks De De.