To the man who always stood by me through all my poor choices and heartbreak. The man who made my fear of his sneezes into a game, and used to take me in Beowulf to raise hell.

Thank you for teaching me to howl at the moon, for showing me that good fights are always worth fighting, and that sometimes just a little bit of kindness can change a person’s life.

Thank you for getting me ballet shoes when I wanted to dance, singing lessons when I wanted to sing, and acting lessons when I wanted to act. Thank you for teaching me how to play chess, and putting up with me when I made up my own rules.

Thank you for always believing in my dreams, no matter how challenging or far fetched they seemed at the time. Your faith in me kept me going when nothing else could. It never occurred to me to doubt my abilities because you always believed in them.

You have been a wonderful father, and the best friend I could ask for. There is nothing more I could have wanted. You taught me what to look for in my partner, so my own children could have a wonderful father too. I have always known how lucky I am to have you, and I continue to know it.

Thank you so much for all your years of care and comfort. I can’t wait to get home to you and back to our regularly scheduled coffees.

You took fatherhood like a duck to water. Our kids adore you. You are kind, generous, silly, and loving.

I will never forget how willingly you entered into parenting. You read “Secrets of the Baby Whisperer” and “Parenting with Love and Logic”. You developed strategies and techniques for us to use in raising smart and happy children. You were an active participant in our family from day one, and you have been fully involved ever since.

There are moments that I witness, little vignettes out of time, that I think on when someone asks me if you are a good father;

You and Otter snuggled up watching NOVA together.

You and Monkey sharing in Dirty Jobs and Good Eats.

You and Monkey playing chase at the playground.

You throwing Otter up in the air and saying “Hello sir.” when he comes over to see you.

I am proud to be your wife and thrilled that we decided to do this together. I could not find a better partner, and I am so happy that I get to live my life with you. I love you so much honey. Happy Father’s Day.