Donna Leskosek writes an ode to her husband, a man who understands what being a good dad is all about.
My husband is a good man. He has good values, a kind heart and he is very hard working. He is an exceptionally good father. From the moment he held our children — and even before that — I knew they would always be safe with him.
He was never the kind of dad who waited until they were big enough to join him in what he enjoyed. He joined them the moment they were born.
He changed diapers and wiped noses and held chubby, little dimpled hands in his big calloused ones. He read stories. The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry , Big Hungry Bear, and Gillian Gigs and Her Wonderful Pigs. He made Kraft dinner his own special way.
I always knew that he was capable of meeting our children’s needs. He never saw taking care of his children as babysitting. Sometimes he was frustrated, sometimes angry even. However, sometimes in the midst of threatening a defiant teenager within an inch of his life…he would ask if they wanted a sandwich. He also could be conned out his last 20 bucks for gas, or pizza.
I know my children hoped that if the school called because they were in trouble that he would be the parent who answered. He was of the notion that his kids were generally in the right, and he didn’t ask the same questions I did, like what exactly were you doing just before you were expelled?
My husband has relationships with his adult kids that many parents can only wish they had. It didn’t happen overnight. He went to school concerts and soccer games. He watched basketball and slept in crummy hotels on hockey trips. He hauled kids back and forth from the ski hill. He took care of the dog everyone wanted. He moved his kids in and out of college residences and apartments. He fixes cars and bikes and has a soft shoulder to cry on. He is mostly non-judgmental and always on their side.
He is a man of few words. Every single word and action told his children that no matter what he’d be right there, loving them. That’s the meaning of unconditional.
Happy Father’s Day to him and to the many other wonderful fathers like him out there.
I love reading this mom, It always makes me cry.
Thanks for sharing Donna. I was lucky enought to have one those too for my now adult children.
Moira
You forgot to add the part that Frank is always there to help out a friend as well. Other than that, a very accurate description.