If there’s one thing that never goes out of style, it’s gratitude. Being grateful for what you have, it’s pretty simple.
With this in mind, on this Father’s Day, I have decided to repost a blog from two years ago about the meaning of this special day for me, because sometimes the story is personal. And it’s living proof the more things change, the more they stay the same.
The Sunday Series: A Father’s Day Reflection
(Originally published June 2013, Revised Today :))
“And I’ve done all I can, to stand on her steps with my heart in my hand.”
– lyrics to Daughters, by John Mayer
For me, and I’m sure for most Dads, it’s the most dangerous place in the world, a father’s heart. It’s not easy to go there, because it’s about as deep as it gets.. the very center of my, or of any father’s soul.
Yes, I know it’s Father’s Day, a day for my girls to show their appreciation to me (if I’m lucky). But I wanted to take a shot at turning the tables, and reflecting on them, on what any Dad must feel on a day like today.
“On behalf of every man, looking out for every girl,
you are the God and the weight of her world.”
John Mayer and the lyrics to his song Daughters hit about as close to home as you can get, especially today. Look, it’s my responsibility to watch out for them, to make sure they are provided for, to make sure they are OK. But the crazy thing is this, I’ve spent more than a dozen years of my life, and will spend many more years still, trying to build a fortress around their hearts, trying to guard them against what life will send their way, to save their hearts from ever being broken.
But since the day they were born, since the moment they took their first breath, my girls have been breaking mine down, every laugh, every tear, every hug makes my heart softer, to the point that it is now the most vulnerable part of my being. I would imagine for most Dad’s, whether it’s daughter or son, the heart is forever transformed.
I can only hope my girls will forever look back and view me, their Dad, as their first love. If I do my job right as a father, I hope my daughters will love like I do and seek out someone who might love them even half as much as I. It won’t be an easy task, because I love them to the moon and back. Actually, it’s bigger then that… how about to the Milky Way and back. Even that might not be deep enough. But if I’m lucky, one day they’ll find someone who can come close.
I’ll let you in on a little secret. I actually wrote this blog two days ago, on Friday night, after a full day with the family, as we vacationed near Cancun, Mexico. Earlier in the day, we rented a Waverunner and my girls took turns riding with me. One at a time I took them speeding through the ocean, hearing and feeling them laugh and enjoying every second, every spray of water, every jump over the waves. As they took their turn each of the girls had their arms wrapped tightly around my waist, holding on as we sped through the water. It was exhilaration, with a touch of fear, showing them we could push the envelope but still make it back to the shore safe and sound.
It’s just like life should be, and what I try to teach the girls. Push yourself a little further than you think you can go, feel a little fear, but never fear to fail. Take chances, go for what you want with all you’ve got inside you. Face your fear and keep riding the waves.
“Girls become lovers who turn into Mothers,
So Mothers be good to your daughters too.”
One day that will happen too. Their mom, my wife Debbie, sets the bar high as an example for my girls to follow.
And as their father, I now get it. I can see the future and what it would be like for my girls to carry on, to see the legacy continue, a piece of me, of my wife, brought to life inside the soul of the next generation. It’s parenthood coming full circle. Life’s greatest reward.
In the meantime, “I’ll stand on the stairs with my heart in my hand.” And I’ll love my girls like there’s no tomorrow.
Sophie and Emily, thanks for giving me life’s greatest honor.
I love you both, to the Milky Way and back.
All My Love,
Daddy
Mark Brodinsky, Father, Author, Blogger, Speaker, Emmy Winner
USHEALTH Advisors, (http://www.ushagent.com/markbrodinsky)
Author: The #1 Amazon Best-Seller: It Takes 2. Surviving Breast Cancer: A Spouse’s Story
(http://www.spouses-story.com/)
For ideas, comments or suggestions for The Sunday Series, e-mail: markbrodinsky@gmail.com
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Amazing!