To The Father of My Children ...

To the best father I know.

I still remember heading in for my 'shift' at the intensive care unit at Primary Childrens Hospital and seeing a photo of you bathing Jessie taped to her crib/unit thingy. Asking the nurses about it, they said they had never ... NEVER ... seen a father in intensive care bathe their child - ever ... so they snapped a photo - because it was so unique and wonderful.

Unique and Wonderful. Two words that describe you as a father - they fit so well.

I watch you with Jessie - the patience, the fun, the love and time you give her and I feel that I come up short - something I need to work on.

I watch you with Ryan - teaching him the things your father taught you, being his friend, being an example of what a father, a husband, a man should be. The unconditional love - and how he respects you - and again feel I come up short.

You have taught me so many things about parenting that I couldn't list them all. I flounder, flail, yell, freak out ... and you? You are rock steady, calm, funny, righteous, firm, unwaivering and fun. Never forget fun!

Thank you for being such a good father to our children. Doing the things that needed to be done when you didn't have the time, but did them anyway. Doing my job when I was too sick or incompetent to do so.

You have built memories that will last with Ryan and Jessie forever. A rare gift. Better than anything that comes out of a box.

You are my rock, my therapist, my friend, my teacher, my example. I couldn't have wished for a better husband ... but more than that - there is no one on the planet that is a better father than you are. For that I am eternally grateful. How did I get so lucky?

Love you ...