Happy Father's Day

Growing up, I learned the true meaning of "deadbeat dad". I didn't have a father around, who loved, nurtured, took interest, or even seemed to care, in fact, I was told to drop dead a time or two by my own. I know my story is dramatic and intense, so I'll not share the gory details... When I had my first child I was 19, I went into labor alone, I began raising my daughter on my own, and when her father decided to take a real and stable part in her life, she was probably around 5. Then he magically grew up, which was a blessing!

My eldest children with dad

When I met my husband, he played an active part in his children's lives, and as I watched him with his children and mine, I admired him. It was one of those traits that made me really fall in love with him. As I got older, I started to see more and more men out with their children alone. It was so odd, but beautiful to me. A father who takes a stand and really cares for his children was admirable, especially since experience had shown me that fathers weren't reliable.

Our family working together as a team

If you were to ask me about Father's Day then, it was a day that I celebrated in honor of myself, the mom, that raised her child alone, without family support, and yes, without a father for my child, and I made it work and look easy. But it wasn't, there was a void that I just couldn't fill.

Isabella out for a walk with daddy

Father's day is not just any day, not EVERY father can be celebrated or honored, it definitely requires more than impregnating a woman who gives birth to your seed. It takes hard work, dedication, and a whole lot of love, and that is what I see in my husband, he's not just a great husband, he's a wonderful father. No, I'm not biased,  I just know that now, I no longer have to tell myself "Happy Father's Day Rose"! That is the most wonderful feeling, knowing that my children have a great role model, a man in their lives that love them, that is there for them and will always support them!

Isabella learns to hula hoop with daddy

This post is not just about my husband and his role in our children's lives, but it is about the Father's who've learned, matured, and really understood what it takes to be a father, I honor those men. Happy Father's Day to my eldest daughter's father, Ariel, for becoming a responsible, supportive, and loving father, one that I can be proud of and happy that we share a child together.

My eldest daughter w/ her father

 But also to each and every one of the Father's out there who've learned that being a parent comes with its fair share of ups and downs, joys and sorrows, the one's that wipe the tears, kiss the boo boos and tell you I love you before you go to bed at night, the father's that celebrate your accomplishments and show you they believe in you and will not give up on you no matter what, the father's who ask how your day was, helps you with your homework and encourages you to try out for the team and helps you practice, the father's that will drive miles and miles just to see you play, the father's that will attend that father daughter dance with you, the father's that will call you just to see how you are doing, to all of those kinds of fathers (like the ones that are father's to my children), you deserve this day, to be celebrated, honored, loved and yes, appreciated for all your hard work dedication, and support all year through.

Until Next Time,