Papa's Day

Happy Father's Day to all the dads!

Happy Father's Day to you, Jay, father of our three not-so-little-anymore ones.

A few weeks ago, I watched you holding Lucy up to a drinking fountain. One arm around her waist, one hand holding both her knees, so that she was comfortably kneeling and could take her time getting a nice long drink. You didn't rush her or complain that she was heavy. You just held her there, and kissed the top of her head before putting her back down.

I love how you go out with a wrench every time we are to go on a long bike ride, and you check all our bikes for anything loose. It feels great to know you are keeping us safe, but what is even greater is that our boys are learning that that's what daddies do. Keep their brood safe.

Only a dad can take his son out to see Nacho Libre. And laugh at all the goofy stuff and come home and compete with each other to tell me the funny bits and the storyline.

I love how you never sit down at Sam's soccer games, but walk back and forth along the sidelines, keeping an eye on the ball, calling out encouragements, but never yelling mad.

It's neat to see the kids come out in the morning, one by one, and sit on the stairs like sleepy racoons, watching you get ready for work. And when you are at the door and going, you just have to say, "Okay, see you, guys!" and at least one of them always jumps up and goes flying at you for a goodbye hug. And you always laugh.

I love how Monty brings out the silly in you. And how Sam brings out the determined in you. And how Lucy brings out such tenderness, such sweetness, it catches my heart.

Happy Father's Day. With love. To you.