Happy Fathers' Day

A day I think about a lot is a day I don't actually remember.

There's a picture of that day somewhere. It's a picture of you, holding me. In the NICU, after I was born. 

Entering the world at 3 pounds, you guys appropriately nicknamed me Pea Pod.

I can easily say that you and Mom have given me the best life possible. It's hard to know exactly where I should start with this.

I guess the simplest place to start is to say you're easily one of my most favorite people to walk this earth.

You're one of my best friends. And that's something I'll always cherish.

I love how you know exactly how to make me laugh. In any moment.

Laughing with you is one of my most favorite things to do in the world.

I love that you support my passions with everything in you.

I love that in your actions and your own life, you've shown me how to have passion for the things I love.

I love that even in your biggest downfalls, you turn them into ways to show me how to have strength.

I remember vividly, holding onto your pinky tight, trying not to let go as they rolled my hospital bed away to the OR one surgery. Because you were and are my biggest protector, and in that moment, I was rolling into the crazy unknown. I love that you protect me, but also don't let me shy away from everything that scares me.

I love that you've shown me how to love.

The way you love Mom is something I'm so grateful for, the way you fearlessly lead our family is something that comforts me and the way you've overcome so much more than most people know, amazes me.

I admire your faith. Knowing where you came from, it amazes me daily.

You are strong. You love with a passion that's crazy big. You are the best Dad I could ask for.

~

A day I think about a lot is a day I don't actually remember.

I think about the day I was born and how yours and Mom's world was rocked.

9 weeks premature, headed into to brain surgery almost immediately, I can imagine that's not what you dream about when you dream about having a kid.

I think about the "what ifs" a lot. You know, how my life and our family's life would be different if that day happened differently.

In ways, I'd change it. There's not a day that goes by where I'm not longing to be kicking a soccer ball or throwing a baseball with you in the front yard, and not falling every five seconds.

But in other ways, I wouldn't touch that day.

Because of all of it, our family is extremely close.

Because of all that we've faced, you and Mom have taught me how to draw strength from anything. And to do with a smile.

Happy Fathers' Day, Dad.

No matter where life takes me, know that you'll always be my favorite person to laugh with, one of the people I'm most thankful for and a huge reason why I do what I do and why I am where I am.

I love you, Old Man.

Little E over and out.