Today, I’d like to celebrate the two greatest dads I know. My own dad. This is how my dad looked when I was growing up. I’ll always remember that tan skin, intense blue eyes and thick dark hair. I actually thought he looked like Mr. Brady (only my dad was better):
My dad
My dad is the man I have looked up to my whole life. His ability to nurture and be gentle but to also be tough and stern and let me know what was expected. I have so many great memories of my childhood: walking in the woods, ice skating on frozen ponds with our obligatory bowl of cream of tomato soup at the Luncheonette in Andover and our happy jaunts to find the perfect ice cream. Oh, and how could I forget him teaching me to ride a bike or play golf? He was always there on opening nights, at the other end of the phone line as I read him a school essay and he got me settled in the UK to start my life abroad. My whole life, I’ve seen him work so very hard and succeed. He owned and operated a very successful restaurant for 11 years. It was his dream and he made it happen. He taught me dreams really do come true (as long as you believe in them and work hard).
Then there is my husband. When I saw him with his nieces and nephews, I knew he was the one. Luke loves children, but I think he loves our children most of all.
July 2008 in Cornwall, England
He really gets down on John and Conor’s level – playing Wii Star Wars, being Superman and also searching for that perfect scoop of ice cream. He proudly walks with our boys perched up on his shoulders (well, John is getting a little big for that now). He can be gentle and loving, but also stern when they do something they shouldn’t. He loves making pancakes and swimming with them on Sunday mornings.
Luke & Conor, 2010
I hope these two little boys are guided by these two wonderful images of fatherhood. These two dads inspire me each and every day.
Wishing all you dads out there a very Happy Father’s Day weekend!
Shortly after I started Silver Pennies, John started kindergarten. I was quite apprehensive and nervous about letting my ‘baby’ go off for the WHOLE day…
What a sweet, sweet post. I love the images you chose. I hope you have a wonderful weekend with these men (I’m flying down to New Jersey to see my dad tomorrow!)
What terrific dads you have had in your life! Such a touching tribute to them both! ~ Maureen
What a sweet, sweet post. I love the images you chose. I hope you have a wonderful weekend with these men (I’m flying down to New Jersey to see my dad tomorrow!)