Remember This

Dear Mike,

I know you’ll probably think this is strange.  It’s not your birthday, it’s not Father’s Day, and yet here I am, calling you out on the Internet.

I’ve been thinking a lot about a few things that happened over the weekend and I know exactly where your mind will drift.  It will drift to the one crappy event, the one where you were mad and frustrated and lost it a little bit.

And that’s why I had to call you out.  Not because of that, but because of all the other things you did, without thinking twice, that had more of an impact on the lives of our children than one moment of parent fail.

I have to tell you this because it’s something that my friends who are also mothers do for me, and it’s something I don’t think a lot of dads are as lucky to hear from their peers.  I have to tell you this: you’re an amazing dad, even on the days you fall short.

You’ll remember that one crappy moment, I’m sure, but the kids won’t.

You know what Eli will remember about this weekend?  The hours you spent with him working on the car.  He’ll remember your patience as you showed him the inner workings of a real car.  He’ll remember how big he felt when you let him help.  You know what else he’ll remember?  The time you spent with him on the football field, not only this weekend but countless other times when you threw the ball, taught him plays, let him tackle you.  You know why he jumps on you the instant you walk through the door?  It’s because you’re his hero.  Remember that.

You know what Elena will remember about this weekend?  She’ll remember your apology.  She’ll remember as she has her own mishaps and mistakes that she is a human, that she isn’t perfect.  She’ll remember to say “I’m sorry.”  She’ll remember that you always have time to play a game with her.  She’ll remember that even though it’s not your thing, you’ve committed to going camping with her.  You know why she wants to go with you?  It’s because you’re her favorite guy.  Remember that.

This parenting stuff is hard.  It’s not for the faint of heart or the easily discouraged.  I wouldn’t want our kids to have any other father than they one they are so lucky to have.  Remember that.