To all you fathers who have
shown up,
stuck around,
raised up,
cheered on,
cared for,
and sat down.
To the fathers
who are still doing it
day in and day out.
And to the fathers
who always meant to do it.
To the fathers who are
strong,
wise,
safe,
steady,
tender,
protective,
wacky,
and true.
And to the fathers
who hope they are
at least some of those things,
at least some of the time.
To the fathers who are
loved,
known,
respected,
and treasured.
To the fathers who are
missed,
grieved,
and longed for.
To the fathers who have
stepped in
and become a father
to the fatherless.
You matter.
More
than you probably know.
More
than you might have intended to.
More
than anything can ever change.
Thank you for giving life.
And thank you
for every single moment that you
have chosen
(and still choose)
your children
by offering your brave,
imperfect
best.
Nothing can ever
replace
the father that is
you.
__
Happy Father’s Day to my sweet dad who spent hours and hours sitting on the floor with me. And Happy Father’s Day to all the rest of you very important men!
xo
