Father

There is a relatively common saying, “any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a Daddy.” While I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment of the phrase, I think it diminishes the term father.

I believe the term father actually carries as much, if not more, significance than being a “Daddy.” I remember when my son was born, how completely overwhelming the situation was. Yes, my wife labored (a feat that I in no way would have the strength to achieve), but after we got home, suddenly, I was responsible for more than I could have imagined. The books do not truly prepare you for the late nights, early mornings, diapers, snacks, cranky spouse (again, totally justified - I love you, babe), and screaming newborn. Oh the noise! On top of that, I was still working - bringing home the bacon, as it were. It was months upon months of new routines, ever changing schedules, and ever changing diapers before he uttered those precious sounds, “Dada.” I played with him, sang to him, held him and smiled with him - months before he gave me the honor of being called “Daddy.” That entire time I was his father - and I learned that the love of a father for his child far outstripped anything I had felt before (with the singular exceptions of the love for my savior and the love for my wife).

With my next few children, I never got to be called “Daddy.” In one case, I got to hold her still form and say goodbye, but nothing else. In each of those cases, though. I was still their Father. I still felt an unconditional love for them. This Father’s Day, there may be some who don’t feel like they “deserve” to be honored because they may have never been called “daddy.” But you are a father. You have felt the love for a child that only a father can feel. Happy Father’s Day.