More Than A Father

I was watching the Sunday morning news today and a picture of Lyndon B. Johnson appeared.  In 1966, he signed a proclamation declaring every third Sunday of June as Father’s Day observed.  To think of how many centuries had passed before this day was officially realized.  I’d like to share some of the very special things about the men (and Fathers) in my life.

My dad is why I’m the person that I am.  He taught me compassion, kindness, determination and most importantly, humor.  My mother always teased that my dad and I were so much alike.  My dad has always been a ‘kid at heart’ and it shows in his interactions with Maya.  He has this ability to make every moment fun and silly, intentional or not.  After all, he is the inspiration of our next children’s book “My 9-Year Old Grandpa” which will be treat for all of you!  He is the one I go to for advice, guidance and peace of mind.  My dad was always the “good cop” growing up (ask my mom…she’ll tell you) and he has always encouraged me to shoot for the stars, no matter how insane an idea was.  We’re both Sagittarians so that explains a lot 🙂

My father-in-law, Santos, is amazing.  He is unstoppable and has the perseverance of a superhero.  He has overcome quite a lot in his life, including his childhood, adult years and his most challenging period, overcoming prostate cancer.  He is the most charismatic and generous man you will ever meet and frequently gives his time to charitable organizations.  He made a special trip to Alabama to help us move and has been so helpful, taking our dog “Reina” for walks (she adores him!), doing repairs to the house and providing us with Mexican pastries for breakfast every morning!  How could we live without him???

Ernesto, my beloved husband and father to Maya, is my life support.  Words cannot express the deep appreciation and gratitude I have for him.  He has done everything in his power to provide our family with comfort, security, endless support and genuine love as we approach our 12 years together in September.  He became a stay-at-home daddy exactly 5 years ago and it was the best decision we ever made.  He poured 150% of himself to our lives and always made our house a “home”.  Most importantly, he nurtured our daughter in ways that only a father could.  I will always cherish those years he’s sacrificed and will always attribute my daughter’s character, inner-strength and self-assuredness to her father.  When I look at her and all her beautiful qualities, I see her dad.  Her quick wit, her spunk, her bravery and her cute ears (yes, she literally has exact replicas of her father’s ears!).

I love each of you with all my heart.  Thank you for staying true to yourselves and making me and Maya so proud.  Happy Father’s Day!!!