Happy Father's Day

I don’t think many men realize the important role they have as a father to their children. I know in my life growing up, I did not (and still don’t) have a close relationship with my father, but I love him and respect the many accomplishments in his life.

Jessica’s dad passed away when she was 9 years old, and although the years with him were a tumultuous time in our life, she does know that her dad loved her. Jessica has also been blessed these past 9 years with the influence of many good men that she respects, loves and that have been part of the foundation of who she is today. One of those has been Jim Hendrixson (my fiancé). I know the difficulty he must have experienced with her in the beginning (so did I). It was hard for her to lose her dad along with adjusting to new changes in her life. But time, patience, and communication has been vital, and now she understands.

Although he is father to Adrienne and Laurel, Jessica has come to love him in a special way. She considers him as part of our family and considers his family as part of ours.

She has watched, and listened over these past 8 years. So……..

Thank you for being a Christian example and role model;
Thank you for your prayers;
Thank you for being a good father to Adrienne and Laurel;
Thank you for being an important male influence for Jessica;
Thank you for treating me with respect;
Thank you for being a part of Jessica’s life and supporting her during all of her school concerts, games and events;
Thank you for being protector and provider;
Thank you for being there “whenever” something broke and needed fixed;
Thank you for telling Jessica and showing her that you love her;
Thank you for being there for Jake;
Thank you for being there for all of my family;
Thank you for opening my car door all the time (Jessica has been watching);
And although this may sound silly, thank you for “washing my car” right after I met you; in the Summer of 2000. That was one of the most profound moments for me, because no one had ever done that for me before (Jessica has been listening).

So with all of this being said, Happy Father’s Day, and “thank you” for all that you do.