Fathers Day

Hello Everyone!

First I would like to again apologize that my posts had become somewhat scarce as of late. Traveling for my job was pretty heavy for quite a while, but now things are going to settle enough to get back into the routine.  I was very blessed to meet a lot of new people and see a lot of new things.

Secondly, I want to say "Happy Father's Day" to all of my Dad followers out there!

I did not see Tyler on Father's Day this year, but like with all holiday's, the sentiment is a bit lost on him.  It did, however, cause me to reflect on what being his Dad has meant to me and I wanted to share those thoughts.

I became Tyler's Dad at the ripe old age of 21.  Like nearly all men of that age, I was barely able to take care of myself much less a special needs child.  What I did know was that I loved this little guy and I loved being his Dad.  It didn't matter to me that he had special needs and that he may never have a "normal" life.  All that mattered was that I wanted him to feel like he had a family that loved him and a Daddy that would always be there to hold him.

After a week in the hospital we brought Tyler home.  The very first thing he and I did before even getting our coats off was to fall asleep together on the couch.  As long as we were together and as long as we had each other, we could face anything.  From that moment on he would know that I would be the rock he could always lean on.

As the years went on, we faced triumphs and challenges as a family.  Through it all, Ty and I have had an incredibly close bond. I have spent endless hours comforting him after seizures, or his stomach issues.  Endless days and nights spent in the hospitals being his voice to be sure he had everything he needed.  Despite his limited understanding I always felt he knew that as long as he could see me and feel my presence that he would know he was ok.

Even today as I reflect on our lives together, being the Dad to our children is the most wonderful experience of my life.  Despite all of the challenges my mind always goes to the best moments.  I think of the times walking on the beach together.  I hear his laugh when I did something goofy and funny with him.  I remember the trips to Disney where every once in a while we could feel like a "normal" family enjoying ourselves without a care in the world. I think of the walks we would take in the park.  I think of the endless bocce games.  And most of all I think of the countless little moments when Dad and son connect in their own personal way.

 

Now Samantha has her time to connect with her Dad, and many years of creating memories with her.  She is so bright and full of life and I look forward to every moment with her.

To me, being a Dad is the greatest gift I have ever been given.  When I feel the love of my children and watch them grow and accomplish things I feel a joy that overwhelms me.  It is a gift that I will always, always cherish.

Be well and God bless.

Tom