Happy Father’s Day

First, please go watch this video.  It is of track star Derek Redmond at the 1992 Summer Olympics.  He was favored to win the 400 meter race, but halfway through the race he tears a hamstring and falls to the track, cringing in pain.  He decides to finish the race as his father pushes his way onto the track.  They finish the race together.  Son leans on father, the look of pain, defeat, and disappointment on his face. It make me cry every time I watch it.  To me, it is an example of a parent’s unconditional love, and that no matter how grown up our children may be, that we are still needed in their lives.

This is the kind of father I think The Daddy Monkey is.  He is not afraid to be tender, affectionate, and playful with our children.  He does not mind rocking a crying baby to sleep, or wearing a baby in a sling.  He has changed many a poopy cloth diaper.  He does not consider spending time alone with our children to be “babysitting.”  He brings playfulness into our lives and reminds me that we sometimes need to allow our children to be a little more daring.  He plays rough with The Boy, even if exhausted after a long day at work.  He reassures me that I am doing the Right Thing, and pushes me out of my parenting comfort zone when necessary.

He is the Best Father I know and I love him.