Dear Michael,
I know we didn’t plan for this, but life is messy and plans don’t always work out. God knows, what we plan for ourselves is usually far less grand than what He has planned for us. What do we know anyway? Who knew that you’d be at home with our little girl…her constant, her steady, her rock. As a brand-new, first-time, huge-ball-of-nerves mom, I was nervous to leave my sweet, new baby at home with you (and I admit, a little jealous too.) I kept reminding myself, He loves her just as much as I do. He won’t let anything happen to her. I had my doubts about whether you would be able to handle it. I pictured a poor, screaming baby and a frustrated, exhausted Daddy. I imagined every worst-case scenario and every potential disaster, but those things never happened. You took on this new role, this role you hadn’t planned for, and you owned it. From feedings and cloth diapers to doctor visits and sing-alongs, you’ve handled it all, and without a single complaint.
January 2012 (15)
I know the past 16 months haven’t been easy for you, even if you’ve made them look that way. I know that you’ve been frustrated and stir-crazy at times. And even though you might not have noticed it through the monotony of the day to day, this experienced has changed you. It has been such a joy to watch the two of you grow together. Every milestone, every triumph has been yours as much as it’s been hers.
May 2012 (12)
You probably have no idea but, you’ve taught me so much about being a mom. You’ve taught me how to let go. You’ve helped me cast away many of my new-mom anxieties. You might not do things the way I would do them, but you do them like only you could. The way you read her stories with silly voices, fling her up on your shoulders when she’s getting antsy, and sing her through her daily routines. You are so very patient with her and she adores you. It’s said that God knows the desires of our hearts and even though I sometimes wish that I could be at home with our girl, He knows how very much I’ve always wanted my babies to have a Daddy like you. I am so very grateful for everything you do and for the way you’ve shaped Evelyn into the amazing little girl that she is. Thank you.
With all my love and much gratitude,
Happy Father’s Day!
Love,
Me
