Father's Day 2009

"A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty." -Unknown

Jeff is an amazing father. He gets up in the morning and heads to work, then 9 hours later heads home where he is greeted at the door by two very excited babies, who immediately climb into his arms. He is not even able to walk completely through the door before he is attacked by the "Welcome Home Committee", and only once he's distributed hugs and kisses is he allowed to put his stuff down. He helps with getting the babies up to the table for dinner and making sure they eat their dinner. As soon as dinner's over it's bath time, and then story time. After the babies have gone to bed, he helps to pick up the house, works on the yard, and tries to complete projects throughout the house. He may take a moment to sit at the computer or read, but if he does at all it's not very often, and it's not for very long. Then it's bed time and when the sun rises, the process starts all over again. On the nights where I work, he is on his own, and does a great job of keeping everything and everyone on track.

He rarely complains about a schedule that wears me out just thinking about. He plays with Norah and Justin, takes pictures of them, and misses them as soon as they are in bed. He is the perfect father, not because he is without faults, but because he looks for opportunities to improve upon his mistakes. He is perfect because he loves his children beyond anything, viewing them as blessings not burdens.

Fatherhood is not a road to be traveled by the faint of heart. It requires a man to be firm, but gentle, loving but not overindulgent. He must provide for his family, but still be involved with them. Jeff has gone from a nervous new dad to a confident father of two, continuing to grow and flourish in his role as a parent. To celebrate Father's Day and to thank and recognize him for all that he does, Norah and Justin gave him a frame and a card (with hand and foot prints) as well as lots of hugs and kisses!

Thank you Daddy for all that you do!

We love you,
Norah and Justin