Father's Day Greetings for Every Dad

Being a mother gives me a new perspective on what it's like being my dad and a new respect and wonderment in seeing my husband be a father to our children. It's given me a chance to observe how my father-in-law interacts with my husband and our sons, handing down traditions and knowledge.

However, I am not one to neither heap praises frequently nor show my deepest appreciation for these dads in my life. Yet, I am truly grateful for them. I wish to share what I would like to say to them this Father's Day, and perhaps, what I wish to say will resonate with what you wish to share with a special dad in your life.

TO A FATHER

Dear Dad,

It struck me one day just how much you love me. Somewhere in between yelling someone's name and stomping my feet in anger, I realized I was looking at a younger version of me. As this "little me" broke down into sobs, I sat there holding my child, patting the back and stroking hair in efforts to calm my child. I love this "little me"! -- determination, perseverance, and all.

What I realized in that moment is that you gave me roots and wings. You made it safe for me to soar and follow my dreams - to stay focused and determined to see my plans and ideas through. But you also gave me a way to come back to you for comfort with my big crocodile tears and heaving sobs.

Thank you for loving me enough to allow me to be me and be there when I needed someone to comfort me and to lean on. You still let me have my roots and wings as an adult and parent. You let me parent how I need to, making choices that I think our best, and yet you are there to hear me out when I'm at my wits end on how to handle a situation or just get one of our children to sleep at night!

I hope you have a wonderful Father's Day! Know how much I love you and have appreciated you being my dad.

TO A HUSBAND

To my loving husband,

You once told me you couldn't love me more than in the moment I gave birth to each of our children. I have come to love you more and more as I've seen you interact and care for each of our children.

I see how you quickly and ably and carefully change a diaper. I see you set out food for our children. I see you holding them on your lap to watch their favorite movie for the 10^th time. I see you sing with them and pray with them at bed time. All of these are expressions of your deepest love for our children.

I hope you know how much our kids love you. And I hope you know how much I love you. I couldn't have asked for a better partner in this parenthood adventure. We are a team - and together we have gotten through sleepless nights, nightmares, children fighting over a toy, potty training, and countless other experiences. Together we've gotten to enjoy and experience the wonderful awe of watching our children discover things, take their first steps, giggle with delight, wrap us in giant bear hugs, and snuggle with us when they're tired or scared or lonely or sad.

Thank you so much for all that you do. You deserve a wonderful Father's Day! Happy Father's Day!

TO A FATHER-IN-LAW

Dear Dad,

Happy Father's Day!

I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate you being the father of my husband. More and more I see where my husband has learned to be patient and kind to our children. More and more I see where he's learned to have fun with the kids - engaging in tickle fests often! More and more I see how you are still teaching my husband how to be a good husband and father as you show him the ropes of taking care of a home or share stories with him about his childhood and things you used to do together.

I love that you have been able to share in so much of our children's lives and be able to create such special memories with them and your son.

Thanks for all you do! And Happy Father's Day!