Sunday, June 21, 2009

the best dad


Experiencing this particular dad's loving "hands on" approach
firsthand, I came to realize being a dad is much more than taking
part in bringing a child into the world and demanding their respect.
He has always, from the first diaper, been a vibrant and essential
part of our children's lives.
.
Even though we've only been empty nesters for eight months, (and
not completely, since the youngest is home for summer break) he
has bemoaned the fact that he misses the kids, nearly every single
day. He calls them, emails them, sends them silly things in the mail,
and arranges his international trips so he can stop on the way out of
the country for a visit. He gives them the biggest bear hugs, known
to mankind, every time he sees them, even when it is every day.
.
They are truly loved, and in return, he has earned their dearest love
and respect. I am proud to say the best dad in the whole world is
father to my children. And you know what? His grandchildren are
going to be the luckiest kids on earth.


It is a wise father that knows his own child.

William Shakespeare

60 comments:

  1. what a great tribute to the man you love and is partnering with you in raising grown children at this point. being a mom or dad doesn't end when the nest is empty. wishing you many more years of love.

    dropped you an award today at my place. thank you for inspiring me both in reading your words and in your comments!

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  2. Blessings abound...I love the photo...! Happy Father's Day to WT and his babes!

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  3. They are truly blessed children or should I say ,young adults! You are blessed too Willow! Tell him Happy Father's Day from someone who appreciates good father's?

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  4. Bravo!! A wonderful tribute!
    I know first hand, from a daughter's perspective, feeling truly loved by your father is a priceless gift. One that follows you all the days of your life!!

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  5. You are so so right...they are lucky children to have such a father. Congrats to you Willow for having picked a winner!

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  6. "They are truly loved, and in return, he has earned their dearest love and respect."

    This is where it's at.

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  7. And a happy Father's Day to the Lord of Willow Manor! He sounds like a good un!

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  8. Papa bear and his cubs...very much loved. A true gift to keep on loving and connecting after the children are adults. Enjoy your family celebration...much deserved!

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  9. Lucky children, indeed. A good father is worth his weight in gold!
    A very Happy Father's Day, WT!

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  10. Nice tribute, Willow. He should be proud!

    I know my auntie pined when the kids were gone from the nest( but little Jenn is back whilst she finishes her MBA. ) Joyous was she.

    Wishing yours a very Happy Father's Day :)

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  11. What a lovely photo willow-you sound so in love with your gorgeous husband, just like a lifelong couple of soulmates should be

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  12. For Once both UK & USA share the same date for Father's Day.unlike Mother's Day which is on different dates.How Odd....[anyway]...Yes ,Old Willy S.'s words (as usual!) Are Wise!

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  13. willow--lovely post and beautiful family. You are blessed-c

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  14. Lovely, lovely Willow....Happy weekend, xv.

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  15. You have such a beautiful family!

    I still consider myself a kid and DEFINITELY know the feeling of being swept up into a "bear hug" an knowig your love no matter what you do....

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  16. sweet.
    you are so fortunate.
    i would imagine you both
    are the best !

    ps he's 'a looker' too
    x

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  17. The whole world is blessed when children can grow up with a dad that truly loves and cares for them.

    A Happy Father's Day to your family!

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  18. You are blessed many times over, Willow. And your children will carry their father's love forever in all they do.

    Dorci

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  19. Wonderful family going on, great connections it seems. That's what matters, isn't it. Have a nice weekend!

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  20. A fine tribute to a very handsome dad and beautiful children to give him the attention dad's seem to need from time to time.

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  21. Dad's hugs are the best.What a treasure to have found such a wonderful, loving man.

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  22. Willow, this is such a sweet tribute to the father of your children! I'm really missing my dad...it's the first Father's Day without him. ~Lori

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  23. Looks like a good family. An involved Dad is always a good thing.

    BTW, check my post for today; you've been awarded!

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  24. That is just so neat, Willow!!!!!

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  25. What a wonderful post to honour your husband and father to your very fortunate children. Father's Day was always about my own father since we have no children of our own, so this one will be particularly empty. It is so nice to be able to share in the warmth and love of those friends around me in the blog-world. Thanks.

    Kat

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  26. Those lucky kids!! Love the Shakespeare quote.

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  27. Aawwwwww--what a lovely tribute to a great dad, Willow. What a handsome family you have here! They all look beautiful. Happiest of Father's days to your husband! Hope you all get to enjoy. I am looking forward to calling my own fabulous dad tomorrow, too...

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  28. Aww ~ the sweetest part is that he misses the kids in the empty nest!
    But with your three kids, what's not to like? They've all turned into wonderful young adults! Happy Fathers Day, WT! xo

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  29. So important...beautiful tribute Willow.

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  30. hey willow, it's a cool thing for your children to have a good dad.
    it's hard for dads to leave their kids. i know. each morning i get on my bicycle and i hurt for saying goodbye to them . . . . happy father's day!!! steven

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  31. This post speaks beautifully to WT, you and your three babies. It is filled with love, admiration and blessing. WT, I wish you a very HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!! A quote for you...

    "The words that a father speaks to his children in the privacy of home are not heard by the world, but, as in whispering-galleries, they are clearly heard at the end and by posterity."
    ~Jean Paul Richter

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  32. Fortunate children ... .
    and a lovely family , indeed.

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  33. Any man can be a father. To be a Dad is special indeed!
    And what a fortunate woman you are to have this kind of man in your life.

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  34. is it father's day in the US? it is here - great post and I'm looking forward to seeing my dad later today.

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  35. oh PS

    feel free to delete this rather than publishing it if you prefer
    but if you felt able to give this:

    http://lettuce-eating.blogspot.com/2009/06/shameless-promotion-but-it-is-for.html

    a mention at all, that would be just great

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  36. Brought tears to my eyes.

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  37. Nice tribute indeed.
    It is quieter and peaceful.
    No matter, they're always there with ya ; )
    Cheers!

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  38. Happy Father's Day to a man who knows what's important in life and know how to show it.

    Two great gifts to have.

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  39. Lovely tribute, thanks for this.

    The pic is fabulous, too. Happy solstice and happy father's day, Willow!

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  40. Great words Willow!Have a wonderful day!:)

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  41. Three hearty cheers for good dads everywhere.

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  42. Not all children are lucky enough to have kind fathers, not just fathers who love them, but also fathers who like them. You are very fortunate that your children have such a father unconditionally and that he shows it so freely and openly. This is what we all wish for, for ourselves and for our children. We all have a hunkering for it, but few of us see it fulfilled. Bless him and bless you and bless your children.

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  43. Good for him! (& I bet you're right about the grandkids). He really looks like he loves & enjoys his children in that picture.

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  44. Hi! Willow,
    What a nice husband, father, that you, (and most definitely, your children) have in your lives and I do agree with you, that your family is very fortunate to have a wonderful, caring man as your husband in your lives.
    Here's wishing him a very...
    Happy Father's Day today.
    Thanks, for sharing!
    DeeDee ;-D

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  45. Wonderful tribute. I love stories such as this. If everyone had a dad like this our society would be far less troubled.

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  46. Beautiful tribute to your wonderful husband. One of life's true blessings is a great father for your children!

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  47. very good blog, congratulations
    regard from Reus Catalonia Europe
    thank you

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  48. A really lovely and loving tribute, Willow. Blessed are the children whose fathers really SHOW them love.

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  49. How wonderful to be able to love and admire the parenting of your husband. Blessings to you all.

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  50. ..........and I just know he said wonderful things about YOU on Mother's Day! Lovely photo - bet your children will find much happiness whenever they look at in the years ahead.

    As we say, any man can be a Father but it takes a special one to be a great Dad.

    Lovely post Willow.
    I celebrated with DH who is also a great Dad, by making another of those raspberry cakes today - so good!!!

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  51. Awww. :)
    This made me smile.

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  52. Happy Fathers' Day to your husband. He is lucky to have someone, like you, who loves him so much and his children who adore him. Many thanks for this heartfelt post.

    Greetings from London.

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  53. You married well. Heart warming post.

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  54. Hello Willow,

    So nice, finally to meet WT. Hello from me and belated congratulations for the day to you all.

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  55. Gorgeous tribute! It makes me feel so sad when I think of my daughter grown up and left the nest. I want her here forever! Luckily she's only four. Your children are blessed to have such a caring father! x

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  56. Luckies is sure right definition! Such a gift as that can not be pried. It is more valuable for your kids futures and, in turn their kids with ow they are raised when they know they are loved and special. Wow. I am so in awe of that. That would be so amazing.

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  57. I just clicked on picture to get a closer look. Adorable pic and faces btw. Ah, so sweet. Love their genuine smiles of fulfillment.

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Inject a few raisins of conversation into the tasteless dough of existence.
― O. Henry (and me)