On Fathers

I talk a lot about mothers on this blog, but fathers don't get nearly enough coverage.  We have a lot of amazing fathers in our lives, and it's time they got some press.

circa 1978

Doug, Randy's dad, is a wise man.  I am not sure if I have ever met anyone so kind and calm.  He has been the easiest father-in-law a girl could ask for, and I love watching him as a grandpa.  As soon as he sees Trey, he is immediately down on the floor playing with him and engaging with him at his level.  Trey loves his Grandpa Doug so much, and even though we only see him a few times a year, they have a very special bond.  I asked Randy to give me some input on writing about his dad, and he said, "I wouldn't be the man I am today without my dad showing me the way."

Randy and I were lucky to have Doug marry us at our wedding.  It was such an honor to have his dad be the one who joined us as husband and wife.  We will always hold his role in our wedding in a special place.

circa 1977

My dad is one of the most honorable people I know.  We jokingly call him Honest Abe because he is the kind of person who would return to the cashier if he got the wrong change or inadvertently forgot to pay for something.  I think a good part of my character comes from having my father as a model throughout my childhood.  Julie and I have always had a close relationship with both of our parents (we used to say we were dysfunctional because we were so functional), but our bond with our dad deepened and strengthened when our mom was sick.

On Father's Day this year, Randy was out of town on his fishing trip with Jason, so Julie and I drove to Eugene to surprise my dad. He had no idea we were coming, and he was really happy to see us.  I think the thing my dad loves most in this whole world is his grandsons, and it was a fun afternoon watching them all together.

The thing my dad may hate most in this world when it comes to his grandsons is the trampoline. The boys love it, of course, but it makes my dad crazy. He is just sure that one of them is going to get hurt.  He was outside with us for a few minutes before he had to go in because his blood pressure was probably through the roof.

Hanging out on the deck 

I've always seen a resemblance between this
childhood picture of my dad and this angel.  

Do you see it?  

Grandpa Gerts, Case, Grady, and Julie 

Keeping the napless boys busy in Grandpa's office

I decided for my thoughts on the father in our house, I would ask his son.

My favorite thing to do with my daddy is: be with him on his shoulders.

My daddy's favorite thing to do is: cook bbq and watch sports games.

My daddy is really good at: cooking the bbq and watching his sports.

My daddy helps me with: carrying me because he is the heaviest and the hugest.

One thing I really love about my daddy is: because I have a lovable heart. 

I guess these answers are pretty similar to the questions he responded to at daycare. The boy knows his daddy well!

Randy, Trey, and I are so lucky to have three amazing, smart, kind, thoughtful, and handsome fathers in our lives.   Happy (belated) Father's Day to all of the dads out there!