Two Two

In a few days, we will be marking two celebrations on two different days.  Two different occasions to prop up the men in my life.  One is the upcoming celebration of Father’s Day and the other is the birthday celebration of our son – who is twenty-two!

Try not to become a man of success but rather to become a man of value… Albert Einstein

This weekend coming is Father’s Day.  A day to honour and celebrate our dad’s, our husbands {who are amazing fathers}, our grandfathers, and our father in laws.  All of which are the rocks and foundations of our families.  The fathers in our lives are not only the sound structural protective leaders, but they are also the ones who provide adventure and laughter into our souls.  

I know in my family growing up, my dad could always make me laugh – even adding humour into my speeches (which resulted in winning my home-town fair queen pagent) and he could always make our family feel safe and secure.

I am so proud to be the daughter of an amazing dad who has taught me patience, to be strong, to be a good friend, and to be light and funny.  Those are all qualities that I love about my dad and that I love that are in me.  

In my immediate family – my husband is not only our strong foundation, but he also provides an abundance of humour, laughter, and fun adventure.  Our kids have grown up knowing their dad will always be there for them, help them, guide them, protect them, and also add humour into their lives. 

I am also so proud to be the wife of an amazing husband who sets the bar high for being a great dad.  He knows the importance of family, encouraging not only myself, but our children, guiding our family, teaching our kids values, faith and kindness, and showing our family the foundation of what faith has provided us. 

So, happy Father’s Day to the two dads in my life. You both are tied for the “Dad” of the Year trophy, but our fishing derby this weekend will decide who truly earns it – unless the birthday boy hooks it.

Now, on to my other important Two-Two.  Our son is turning 22 in a few days as well.  My adoring son.  Every year – I have ‘cupcake’ moments whenever it is the birtday of one of my children.  They are both in the 20’s, but to me – they are still toddlers needing their mom.  

Sidenote: To read about cupcake moments, click here

I am often reminded to ‘let go’ and allow them to grow and learn, but as a mom, it’s hard.  Watching my son grow his business, teach his clients the importance of staying healthy and incorporating fitness into their lives melts my heart.  He is so gifted at what he does and seeing how talented he is actually makes it easy to let him spread his wings.  Our pastor once said that there is always a piece of your children that you just don’t know completely, but others will see that piece quite clearly.  (He phrased it much better than I just did, but that is the jist of it).  I watch others listen intently to what our son talks about.  I see how others follow his instruction, his guidance and his recommendations.  I see the influence he has on other people, not only in the fitness world, but in his personal and faithful world.  

In his 22 years, our son has grown into such a strong and faithful man.  From the time he was born, he was an ‘old’ soul.  He has always had a gift for listening, for keeping calm, for helping others stay calm, for giving sound advice, and for being reliable.  

God certainly gifted us with an outstanding son full of amazing qualities that outshine today’s worldly views and we couldn’t be happier.  

So, happy birthday my dear boy.  I pray that you have a day filled with love and laughter, joy and fun.  You always jump right in and so high in whatever dream you strive for and I pray that never changes. I hope you know how much you are loved and how much love you gift this world.   

As I celebrate a two two weekend – acknowledging my own dad and husband – as well as – our birthday boy, I encourage you to uplift, acknowledge and celebrate the men in your life. Even if your dad has passed on to Heaven or you no longer have a dad in your life – acknowledge a father figure loved one in your circle.  You wouldn’t be where you are today if it wasn’t for them – let them know that.  And if you are also celebrating anyone’s birthday this weekend like we are with our son – boost them up so high that their cup is full of love for the days to come.  They deserve to feel special. They all do – Fathers, Sons, Grandfathers, Uncles and Brothers.  

Happy Father’s Day and Happy Birthday. You are loved unconditionally and wholeheartedly each day of my life.