Dad's

 I know Father's Day was in June, but I think any time of year is a great time to honor dads.  There are some very special men in my life.  

My dad is one of those special men.  He is the one that sat with me in the middle of the street while I flew my kite so high you could hardly see it and taught us how to get semi-trucks to honk as they drove by near our camp site.  As a teenager he was the one that let me ruin a perfectly good dress shirt so I could have a good cry.

As an adult I have realized that many of my traits come from him.  I wouldn't say I have ADD, but I don't sit still well.  The busy bee side of me that likes a clean house, crisp pillow cases, well planned activities and a deep love for my country all come from him.

Sean was a true partner when raising the kids.  He never looked at an evening out or a Saturday lunch with friends as him staying home babysitting.  I know he looked forward to time with the kids without mom around.

He involved the kids in every project from building a workbench to creating a new patio to painting the lines for a half court in front of our basketball hoop and then challenged the kids to a little game of PIG.  Bath time and stories were his favorite part of the day.

Today Sean is still a DAD.  He worries about them, points out pitfalls that might be ahead, looking out for their future and telling awful Dad Jokes.  The only thing that might get in the way of being a DAD is being a grandpa to our grandsons.  He loves music time, roughhousing on the floor and teaching them all kinds of new sounds.

About 15 months ago Dreyton stepped into fatherhood was grace, compassion and a deep love for his son.  I've had a unique perspective watching him be a dad to these two adorable boys.  His face lights up as they do something cute. He has loads of patience for screaming no matter the time of day.  His ultimate goal is to be present for his boys no matter what they are doing.

Harrison isn't a dad yet, but watching him be an uncle has given me a glimpse into what kind of dad he will be.  He will be a lot like his dad, down on the floor playing till everyone is worn out.  He will see them as individuals, encourage them, offer big bear hugs when needed and provide the comic relief at the most needed times.  When the day arrives that he will be a dad I know he will fill that role in a very natural loving way.

Much like Harrison, Jake is not a dad yet.  This time he and Riss have together is preparing him in all the ways his kiddo's need.  Each of his experiences will be moments he will be able to share with them to help strengthen and mold them into the people they desire.  Along the way he will do so with such love and humor that his children will know they are loved.

 Fathers play an important role as children grow, but their importance does not lessen as they become adults.  I love when my kids call and need their dad, as he is the only one that can help them.  I am grateful that when I come up against a situation that only my dad can help with he is there. 

These men amaze me.  Their love and devotion to family has exceeded anything I had ever hoped and prayed for.  I love these men in my life and that they are the trusted dads for our grandchildren.