From the Editor
Most good things in life start by simply showing up. Being home for dinner, tucking your child in at night, or being present at a sports games or school events show you care.
It’s not the Hallmark moments that define a dad. It’s whether dad shows up, in a positive way, for his child. The day to day, ordinary, even mundane moments are what adds up to create extraordinary fathers. Some people even say that love, most simplified, is defined as just showing up, relentlessly.
Father’s day may evoke images of a “perfect dad” using eloquently impactful words to encourage their child or the creation of beautiful memories that seem larger than life.
Fortunately, no real-life dad has to measure up to this version of fatherhood. There is no such thing as a “perfect dad” or a secret formula to being a good father.
My dad showed up every single day of my childhood. I remember him coming home from work, gardening, sitting at the dinner table, and talking. He loved to talk about everything and anything. Sometimes we went for rides, played catch, or went for an ice cream cone. All of these ordinary moments, day after day and year after year, created a bond of trust and love.
When my children were born, their father too loved them without limit and committed to showing up in their lives every day. When our oldest was diagnosed with autism and manifested some serious behavior problems, I could see the depth of his father’s love for him and how truly unconditional it has always been.
Bob didn’t always do things exactly the way I wanted them to be done. There were diapers put on backwards and schedules tossed out the window. That said, he always had a knack for fun and adventure, for creating silly games and inspiring laughter. Bob showed up for all those little moments over many years and still shows up today – simple as that. There’s no doubt that he was and is a great dad.
Whether you’re a dad, a stepdad, a grandfather, or a father-to-be, don’t sweat the small stuff. Just show up and enjoy your little people, because they grow up in the blink of an eye.
If you are looking for something fun to do with your dad this Father’s Day, check out the listicals on page 12 and 56.
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– A Song for Dad by Keith Urban
“The older I get
The more I can see
How much he loved my mother and my brother and me
And he did the best that he could
And I only hope when I have my own family
That everyday I see
A little more of my father in me.”
Peace & Love,
Cindy
