In the pantheon of Father's Days I anticipate celebrating in my life, this one was rather low-key. There were no macaroni posters, paisley ties, or bead necklaces. She's 14 weeks old, and while she has opposable thumbs, has yet to fully realize what their inherent design is for. So instead, in true selfless fashion, Jillian played the role of gift-giver for Megan.
The biggest gift was Jillian getting up at 3 am to feed her. In all honesty, that was enough by itself. But I had a bigger surprise when I came downstairs for her 7 am feeding and found a note directing me to some chocolate milk in the fridge and some pastries on the counter so that Megan and I could have a "father-daughter breakfast." I thought it was such a sweet idea.
(Megan 'signed' her own card)
As I make the transition from getter to giver in the larger scheme of life, this holiday took on a much larger significance to me. From the role of a child I saw it as just a ho-hum deal. What's the big deal. Of course my parents gave me the best they could. Wasn't that their role? I appreciated their efforts but thought the day was rather contrived. Now? I see it as an opportunity. And I know when she's 16 she'll probably toss a card and a hug my way as she takes off to go hang out with friends, and I'll smile, say thank you, and wish she was still the little girl who needs me for everything, but I know she'll feel the same way I did as I kid about the 'holiday.' But for now, that's not the case, and I bask in the fact that I am in the role I am.
The cynic would argue that the only reason I appreciate it now is because it is 'about me' for lack of a better word. Maybe you're right. But I see it as a joint celebration. The reason the day exists is because of my sacrifice and love for this little girl. It's a ready-made 'date' of sorts for the two of us to come together. It's not about the hand-made tacky gifts (although I fully embrace receiving those in about five years) but it's about reminding me of the magnitude of my task to be a role model, comforter, and nurturer for her.
So in the end it's still about her, and the yearly reminder of just how important a task I have undertaken.
6 comments:
Should we assume that the "opposable thumbs" reference is a snipe at Espen?
without a doubt ... that guy needs to step it up. I won't even comment on how many father's days have come and gone without so much as a hug from that dog.
Elegantly written. Don't you feel like Father's Day is just one of the many previously taken-for-granted moments that now emits so much more significance. These little ones sure do have a way!
Hey, long time reader but not so often poster here. Since both of us have relatively the same father issues, I think about being a better husband/father (eventually) than him, and I'm sure you do too. Now, I don't want to get to deep on you, but do you feel that Father's day has more a significance now not only because you are a father now, but also due to the relationship with your father?
Finally had a minute to catch up on your little Cinderella! Wow...how precious (yes, I too finally shut the door on the year and have a LIFE for 10 weeks)
You are not such a goofball~I made paper groundhog
ears for Court to wear for her first "Groundhog Day pic" at 2 1/2 weeks! (doesn't everyone) It must be the teacher in us! Your blog helps us old folks remember "when"!
Seriously Groundhog ears? It is no wonder I turned out the way I did. Consider that a warning about the effects of your parenting! :)
Happy (belated) Father's Day to you BP!
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