This is his third Father's Day... The first wasn't so hot, and the second.. I really don't remember. But this one I'll never forget.
I hear a lot of spouses say that they are 'single moms' while their husbands are away, and I don't agree. Although he is physically absent, he is still here. Not only in our thoughts and in our hearts, but he is here for us. Emotionally, mentally, monetarily...
In fact, knowing that I have him coming home to me, home to us, is what gets me through the days. Even while gone he is my best friend, and my rock. Thousands of miles apart, and I have never felt closer to him.
Maybe it is the distance that allows us to be more open, or maybe it is the unique situation and knowing that we have to savor each and every moment we can talk; that our conversations, even only minutes long, have to sustain the other (or other's in his case).. but I have found we are much more transparent with each other. I tell my husband my every action and emotion, and I believe he knows that if he needs to talk about something, I am here. The space has given us time to reflect on our relationship, and think of ways to improve it. Some of the talks we have had leave me blown away - why can't people always just tell one another what they want, what they need?
In these talks Nathan has talked about being a 'better father'. I normally just smile as he talks away, because I can't imagine him being a better father. From dancing with Hallie, to watching him soothe a fussy baby instantly, just by laying him on his chest, to cooking dinner, watching the games with Kyle, and letting me sleep in when I needed a break (and the kids needed one from me), I couldn't have asked for a better father to my children. Their love for one another is one of the first things you notice when you see them together. We are truly blessed to have him in our lives.
I look forward to the day we are all together again.
I look forward to hearing him whisper "I love you" to Hallie as he puts her to bed.
I look forward to him doing more pushups with the kids sitting on his back.
I look forward to him twirling ribbons and blowing bubbles for them.
I look forward to the crazy outfits he will pick out for the kids, and the arguments we will have when I tell him they don't match.
I look forward to all of us cuddling in the mornings, and making family trips to the store.
Still courtesy of Kristen Charles Photography
Can you tell we love her work? ;)
We look forward to having him back.
Happy Father's Day to one of the greatest men I know. One of the many special men that is spending his Father's Day away from his children, for the future of his children.
Happy Father's Day to another great, hardworking man, my father. We're more alike that I would have ever guessed, and that is why we clash oh so much.
Happy Father's Day to every father, and every future father.
Finally, happy 'Father's Day' to all of the other military wives out there that are temporarily filling in for Daddy. The wives who carry around Daddy Dolls, take hours of videos and tons of pictures in an effort to nourish the bond between children and father. The wives who hug their sobbing children when they are missing their daddy, spend their time on the phone filling him in on their growth, who have their hearts break each and every time their child asks for daddy, and who get lumps in their throats when their children mistake another man in ACU's for their dad.
Happy Fathers Day.
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