The history of this “after the fact, just wanna be fair” holiday is pretty interesting. It is celebrated around the globe, but not all on the same day. For most nations, it is the same but not all. Of course mother’s day came first but rightfully so I say. Nothing emerged from my nether regions and I’m pretty pleased about that. Damn does that look painful. A much bigger stink is placed on mother’s day regarding gifts and special activities of the day. The same respect is certainly not applied to Dad’s holiday. That’s okay with me. I don’t much like having a fuss made for me, but I do greatly appreciate any form of appreciation.

The act of becoming a Dad is fairly easy and also quite enjoyable if we’re being honest. However, what makes a Dad a father comes after that. In most households, not all, being the father equates to being the primary provider for the family. Typically the mother is the primary caretaker, again though, not always. Work with me people. Our household is fairly typical and we are fortunate to be in that situation. We could always do better here and there, especially there, but its an ideal scenario from my point of view.

I like to consider myself an active father in the lives of my children and I love every second of it. I am the primary provider so my time with my kids is limited to evenings and weekends, plus holidays and any time off I take from work. The time I do get to spend with my kids is what I love the most about being a dad. I love every second, be it whiny and frustrating, or sweet and content. It all adds up to the entire picture of being a parent and I love all of it.

I despise Mondays because it means I will leave my kids in the morning and not see them again for 8-10 hours.

I reject invitations for “happy hours” after work because I would genuinely prefer to come home and have dinner with my children. Sorry co-workers, I spend more “awake” hours with you in a week than I do my children and I’d prefer to have that reversed.

I savor attending teacher meetings, school performances, doctor appointments, and anything else my kids might be involved with as much as my employment permits.

There is no better ending to any day than tucking my girls in with a bedtime story and a kiss on their foreheads.

Hearing my children tell me they love me either in response or unprovoked makes any day instantly better no matter how tough it was.

I always knew someday I wanted to be a father. I always imagined how I would raise my kids and always be as involved as I possibly could. I just never knew it would be as great as it actually is.

I have taken an active role since birth including the late nights early on. Sure, not as many as their mother did, but I would have had she not been the primary food source. Still, there were several nights I would stay up with the bottle to feed my babies. I often miss those nights. Amidst the crying and sometimes frustration, there is something special about those moments shortly after the baby does fall asleep. The bonding is so powerful and wonderful, I remember those moments so vividly and I miss that.

I can’t say I miss the diapers and expense of those nasty things, but I always changed them.

I love being able to say I have given my girls 99% of all the baths they have ever taken. I know my time is limited there, but I know I will have no regrets or feel like I missed out on something when that time comes.

As my kids get older, I hope to evolve the friendship I currently have with my girls. Sure, some things I just won’t understand but that’s okay. My biggest fear is to reach a point where my children genuinely hate me. I will fight and do whatever it takes to avoid that scenario. Even if it does get to that point for whatever reason, I will still make sure they are safe and taken care of. Right now though, I love being their best friend.

Sure, being a dad can be stressful sometimes. What major responsibility isn’t? On the flip side, nothing is more rewarding. Nothing.

I love teaching my children something new and watch them run with it. I love challenging them with a skill or knowledge and see them comprehend it.

I love taking care of them when they are sick. I love even more when they are not.

For all you active dad’s out there, keep up the good work. If you aren’t active as you want to be for whatever reason, make sure its a damn good reason. For those who aren’t active at all because they choose to not be? I don’t, and never will understand you.

I love being a dad. I wish this kind of joy I get every day from my babies on every human being out there. The feeling cannot be described in words and until you feel it, you will never understand it. Once you do though, it is the greatest feeling in the world.

I hope someday my girls think I did a good job, looking at them now, I think I am.

Thank you to my wife for making me a dad. Thank you to my beautiful children for making me a father. I love you so very much.

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I would be remiss to not thank my father in law for teaching me how to be a great father even after the children have grown into adults themselves. The job never ends, it only evolves, and you have taught me just that. You have been like a dad to me since I have known you and for that I say thank you.

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In honor of my father who passed away 4.5 years ago, I offer this tune. You are missed and not forgotten.