I just wanted to write to you today. No reason, I’ve just been feeling the urge to put some thoughts down the past few days.
Today is Thanksgiving 2015. Lindley, it is your first. We have quite the family, now. Lindley, Avaleigh, Mom, and me….plus Zoey (our St. Bernard who Avaleigh loves to hug on) and Alex (our Shitzu who Avaleigh loves to try and hit). We are about an hour away from heading to your grandmother Sissy’s house where Aunt Mindy and Granny Sissy have probably made an awesome meal. Both of you are sleeping, your Mom is showering, and I just sitting here looking at you.
And I’m thankful…for so much.
We have a pretty awesome family. Your Aunt Mindy has been a like your 2nd Mom. Whenever your Mom and I are in a pinch and need someone to watch you, she has always been available.
Your Nanna is pretty much the same way. Without those two, I honestly don’t know how we would do this. Your Nanna keeps you, will come and get you in the afternoons to give us time to catch up, cooks you breakfast every Saturday morning….they both do so much.
I could go on and on, but the blessings are too many to name. We are unfairly blessed in ways you can’t imagine.
But most of all, I’m thankful for our small family.
Your Mom works so hard and is always so busy. Very rarely doe she take time to enjoy herself. She does so much for our family and gives us more love and dedication than I thought was humanly possible. Through the years, she has done so much for me. Not just the superficial stuff, but she also taught me patience and unconditional love. I’m grateful she is my wife.
Each year, it seems like the list of things that make me feel blessed grow by leaps and bounds. But at the root of all of those blessings is the support that your Mom gives me. When you grow older and see these letters, learn to watch how she loves. It is amazing. She is the glue that holds our family together.
As we get ready and I write this, I think back to Thanksgiving and Christmases of the past. The aroma of the food that fills the air, the spirit of love and kindness that permeates the walls…it is what makes holidays special. These days have always been such a huge part of my life and I can’t believe that now I have two kids to share it with. As the years pass, we will find ourselves in the situation that I am in now. I’ve lost a grandparent, my parents are getting older, and this is a holiday that we aren’t spending together. The loss of your great-grandfather left his kids in dismay and upset with each other. Know that when I’m no longer here, you will still be able to find me in the spirit of the holiday. Love never leaves.
As we are about to get ready, know that there is no blessing that has brought me more joy than the two of you. You amaze me, give me hope, and make me a better person.
I will always love you.
Dad
Dad of Girls 