For our dad. With much love.

You know how we always say that we just can't get enough play time with you? 

 

How we jump at the chance to literally run, jump, and laugh with you? 

How we come to you over and over again because the whole experience is so much more than what either of us can describe?

You see, it goes beyond the laughs and the squeals, the  horse-rides, and the air-tosses... we share those moments with you and find that what we are discovering is who our father is and who we are. 

 

We develop those lasting memories that will all start to make sense as we gain more life experiences and understanding. 

Someday we will remember that the one-on-one play time and the hysterical laughter we shared was showing us how much we meant to you; how you could so easily find a place for us in your day; how you relied on us to rediscover the part of you that can overcome discouragement and face it with the happiest of hearts.

We learn a lot from you. Much more than the please & thank-yous. Much more than riding without training wheels and remembering to floss. 

 

At your side, we discover that the hard things are not impossible. 

We feel the sting of sadness when we disappoint you and find the desire to be better. 

We extend kindness to strangers, because they are our family, too.

 

We work--and we work hard. We play--and we play hard. 

We find comfort in the daily things that bring a piece of heaven into our home. 

The absolute truth is that you are our father, and we couldn't be happier. That's better than 1,000 + trips to Disneyland. 

 

Better than an extra scoop of ice cream before bedtime. Better than chicken & rice. 

Better than a full trick-or-treat bag. Better than Christmas. It's a form of happy than even all of our arms, outstretched, couldn't show.

This is for our dad. He should know that the goodness he sees in us is a mirror image of the goodness he has helped cultivate in our hearts. He should know that his efforts, seen and unseen, are worthwhile. He should know that we will always be grateful that he shared our childhood with us and not merely let it pass him by. And, so, this is for our dad, who we l.o.v.e. so very much. And who needs to know that we always will.