Living and Learning: Fathers - The Forgotten Heroes

Many people in our society emulate their role models. They strive to be something they are not because they value a trait or groups of traits that another person possesses. There is nothing wrong with looking up to others, and learning from them, the problem is, we tend to look up to the wrong people, to admire the wrong traits. In our country the famous, the wealthy, the athletic tend to be the people that are put on a pedestal. What about the true heroes, the people we should look up to? They are usually forgotten. Their actions seem ordinary, so we take them for granted.

We always hear about a Mother's love, a Mother's Courage, the sacrifices that a Mother makes for her child or family. As a Mother and a Daughter, I know all too well how important a Mother's love is. There is no stronger bond. But what of the bond between Father and Child or Father and his Family. We don't hear about this to often. Father's often play a different role in the family. Many times they are the provider, the protector, Mr. fix it, misc. chore doer, jack of all trades, IT Guy.

In our family I am the stay at home Mom, the Teacher, the Mentor, the household Manager if you will. I often hear family members say "Your doing a great job with the girls. They are smart, confident, and have great imagination's." This always makes me feel good and it reassures me that the lifestyle we chose is working, that all the sacrifices we make are worth it. The point of this post is to spotlight someone else. Kevin, Husband and Father. Everything that we have accomplished in our family would not be possible without him.

I am able to stay home with my children and raise them, teach them, and ensure that they become happy, successful adults. This has been my dream, my goal since I became a Mother. Avery was 7 months old when I finally was able to quit my job and stay home with them. Our family had to make many sacrifices in order to do this. Losing an income changes your lifestyle drastically, however, what we gained is worth it.

Kevin works 2 jobs and averages 50 - 60 hours a week. He has also gone back to school. He is the sole provider for our family and he does a great job. He may not be home often, and sometimes when he is home, he is exhausted. But he is always there for us. He still manages to find the time to play with the girls, to read to them, to fix their toys, to help them with their studies and to simply love them. One of his biggest sacrifices is that he often misses out on our activities, learning adventures, and field trips. I take as many pictures as I can and the girls tell him all about what they have learned or where they have been. I always make sure the girls know that without Daddy, most of what we do, would not be possible. His contributions may not be obvious but without them our family wouldn't work the way it does.

So Kevin, we want you to know that we love you and appreciate everything you do for us! You are our hero! Happy Father's Day! Love, Nicole

Daddy, I am thankful for you because: you play trains with me, you play Peter Pan, you make my hot chocolate sometimes, you give me piggy backs, and you read me stories, you took me to the train show, and you bought me carrot seeds. Happy Father's Day, Love, Avery

Daddy, I am thankful for you because: you made me my toy clothesline, you fix my china dolls, you put up the pool, you help me ride my bike, and you took us roller skating. Happy Father's Day, Love Hannah