Dear Daddy; A Father’s Day Tribute

Dear Daddy,

I ran to the window this morning, just in time to see you leave. You didn’t see me, but I was watching you.

I watched you pull out before the sun was up. When I’m big, I’ll know it’s because you get more done if you start early, and work has to be done, even on days you’re tired.

A few weeks ago, I watched you fix the broken tractor. When I’m big, I’ll know it’s because it’s best to take care of what you already have, instead of always looking for something new.

Last week, I watched you pick wildflowers for Mom. She smiled when you gave them to her. When I’m big, I’ll know it’s because the best things in life, even gifts, are usually free to give.

One time, I watched you wipe your eyes when you buried the family dog. When I’m big, I’ll know it’s because even superheroes cry and that good dogs never live long enough.

Lately, I’ve watched you look at our dusty fields, look at the radar with no sign of rain, and look up to the skies. When I’m big, I’ll know it’s because at the end of the day the only thing we actually have is faith.

When it’s time, I watch you quietly load up lambs or calves, making sure they are calm and comfortable when they go down the road. When I’m big, I’ll know it’s because it’s our job to be stewards to the animals who sacrifice their lives for us.

At the end of each day, I watch you come home and go to Mommy. When I’m big, I’ll know it because even tough Daddies need to lean on tough Mommies.

I know, most of the time it looks like I’m not watching anything at all. You get frustrated with me, because you want to tell me about life.

I know I don’t listen when you tell me, but I do watch when you show me. And when I’m big, that’s what will count.

Happy Father’s Day weekend to all the Dads being watched by children - young and old!