6/18/2006

Happy Father's Day to my Ed!

We don't usually celebrate traditional holidays (I think I have bored you all with the "we are appreciative everyday and aren't on the retailers calendar clock" diatribe before) but I do want to send a shout out to my wonderful husband on Father's Day because he is simply a terrific dad. When I was growing up I think society measured a father's worth by his ability to provide food, shelter and clothing (more or less). I was relatively afraid of my dad as a kid because he was a pretty stern guy. My dad provided me with the basics and beyond but he was a serious disciplinarian, the house ran around his needs/wants and I generally felt lazy around him. He always had lists, things to do - we sort of relaxed when he relaxed. As an adult I know this was generational and also the manner in which he was raised. I think I wished that my dad was softer and that he would 'play' with us more and worry about our school grades less. I also wished he had told me he loved me more. I knew my dad loved me but I didn't hear it; I had to understand he loved me by what he did, not by what was said (or not). At the same time my dad taught me a fantastic work ethic, a wonderful knowledge of right versus wrong and about being honest. My dad has more integrity than anyone I know. I love my Dad dearly. Fathers today are judged by different standards. Society as a rule is tough on Dads. They have to be tough yet tender, pragmatic yet emotional, decisive yet understanding. Non-custodial dads are told to love their kids in spite of barriers most normal humans wouldn't be able to endure(and I am not saying that there aren't bad dads out there - there are just as many bad moms out there too.) Ed is a fantastic dad. Despite the odds he has remained emotionally connected. He has allowed himself to be judged, humiliated and humbled by the system, his ex-wife and a few other people who felt they had the right to do so. Ed is loving and affectionate; he tells both his kids, often, that he loves them and he means it! He is tough; clear about behaviour and boundaries and, if he needs to, he rules with an iron fist (without physical or corporal punishment - we have strong feelings about that). Ed laughs with his kids, plays with them and is one of the most honest people I know. He is also very human with his kids and is always willing to apologize if he has made a mistake. He is patient, trustworthy and hardworking for his kids. He is actively involved in Nick's life; his academic, athletic and artistic pursuits. He works hard to make sure that Nick is able to attend summer camps (driving, etc) and he picks up where I cannot. Ed and Nick have a wonderful father-son relationship (they are golfing in a tournament today) and Ed and Sheree have a wonderful father-daughter relationship. Both Nick and Sheree love their Dad dearly as they should - he has earned it! Happy Father's Day Ed!

18 comments:

strangelittlemama said...

What a great tribute. He LOOKS like an awesome dad.

C+SK said...

Ohh that is so sweet! A big Happy Father's Day to your husband and father!

Lucia said...

It's nice to be appreciated. Happy Father's Day, Ed! (Which reminds me: I should call my dad. He claims not to believe in it either, but it's such a good excuse.)

Ramona said...

Sounds like you are one lucky woman!

Anonymous said...

What a great tribute!

Miss Scarlett said...

Happy Father's Day Ed!
You sound like a real gentleman. Your children and wife are truly blessed. Enjoy today and everyday together.

Samantha said...

Very sweet! Nick and Ed look so much alike. :)

Happy Father's Day

aija said...

What a sweet tribute! Happy fathers day!

Anonymous said...

I am in no way surprised a woman as loving and giving and selfless as you are would be married to a man such as you have described *S* sounds like you, as a family, ended up with all the right parts =)

Happy Father's Day Ed!

Anonymous said...

What an awesome Father's Day tribute!

He looks like a great guy!

Anonymous said...

Happy Dad's Day Ed!!

Having met Ed, and learned needle felting with him, I have to say Cindy you are one lucky lady.

If the world had more Cindys and Eds it would be great.

Nick you too are one wonderful guy.

I've never met Sheree but she sounds like one wonderful young woman.

Luv you guys

Anonymous said...

Nice post. I am glad that dad's now are expected to participate more in parenting beyond being THE enforcer or THE breadwinner. You got a good one.

Catherine Kerth said...

thats a great picture of them :) i think any man can try to be the father you had.. but it is a different generation with different rules we expect more, and it takes a great effort to be both now-a-days... i am proud of todays dads!

KnitPastis said...

Owow, really good post and our fathers were both similar in raising us. Today we are best friends. Ed sounds so sweet... Happy Father's Day Ed!

Jackie said...

Nice post for Ed! You are a lucky woman, from the sounds of it, to have him in your life. And it also sounds like you let him know it!

Melissa said...

What a sweet post! Happy Father's Day Ed!

Anonymous said...

What a nice tribute! He must be a swell husband too.

Rhonda the Stitchingnut said...

Nice tribute to your husband and father of your kids. A good relationship between a father & his kids is very special. And it's nice to be around ... a loving family.