To a father who grew up fast

 At 16, being "daddy" was probably the furthest title from your mind.

You were playing football, planning for life after high school.

Marriage? Kids? Probably planning for those things later in life.

But we ran out of time to grow up, we made choices, adult choices.

And we faced adult responsibilities.

But you didnt run. 

You didnt cry for what you left behind or for what your future could have been.

You have never complained about this path.

You looked at it and saw the beautiful.

Sure it was hard, sure there were certain things that were heavier.

But you looked at me, looked at my pregnant belly, and you chose us.

You faced judgement, you faced doubt, you faced a world of odds against you.

But by God's grace, you overcame all of that.

And look at you now.

The man of three beautiful babies.

Who loves each and every one fiercely.

Who gets down and plays with them, reads to them, sings with them.

Laughs, chases, and embraces them.

 

 

The daddy who loved the little ones we lost.

Who held me as I cried myself to sleep as the tiny life in me slipped into heaven.

The daddy who kisses ouchies, listens to hurting hearts.

Whose eyes fill up with tears of joy each time you talk about Jesus.

I pray they each see the love and adoration you have for Jesus, and want the same.

 To the daddy, the man, who was always there, and always will be.

Thank you for the love, the laughter, and the sacrificial way you care for us.

We love you and hope you have a wonderful father's day