This weekend was so busy and beautiful that I didn't get around to writing my blog in time for Father's Day, so today I am writing to wish all of the dads out there a happy belated Father's Day and to share my thoughts on the subject.

Speaking of busy weekends, I spent a beautiful weekend with my three young children and husband. We enjoyed the gorgeous weather with a swim, a picnic by the pool, a visit to the local fair, and a Father's Day barbeque. I really enjoy fun weekends such as these but was surprised by how very aware I was of fathers this weekend, especially my own dad and husband. 

From carrying the four bags full of towels and toys to the pool, to giving the kids rides on his back in the pool, to wrapping up my littlest in a blanket and giving her a bottle, I had flashbacks of when my dad used to do those things in my youth. From getting on the tea cup ride with my youngest for her first carnival ride to shooting baskets to win my daughter a teddybear, I thought of my dad. From packing the car at the end of a long night, to carrying home the three fishes the children won, and subsequently spending three hours to set up the fish tank where they now live, I thought of my dad. As my own husband did all of these things with my children, I thought of my dad. It made me realize something that the deeds dads do for the children range from financially supporting them, to running along side of them as they ride their bike for the first time without training wheels, to sleeping next to them in the bed when they have the 101 degree fever, to picking them up at midnight when they are upset at a friend's house. The involvement of a father in a child's life is the defining factor that makes him a dad. I also realized how lucky I was to have grown up with a dad such as these and to raise a family with a man such as this.

Not all of us have dads in our lives who meet this criteria. For many reasons there are many fathers out there who have biologically contributed to life but have chosen or cannot be involved with their children. There children must look to others or have others in their lives who hopefully fit the bill of support and involvement. Whether it be the grandparent who starts over and raises the children or the mother who pulls double duty. In today's society, for many reasons there are people who function and emotionally contribute to a child's life as a dad and sometimes even a mom. So to all the people out there who give to a child and help make their lives better I salute you! To all the men who are active, supportive, and involved, in your children's life, I commend you. To my own husband Jeremy and father Irfan, I love you and can't thank you enough for being wonderful positive role models not just in my life but in the lives of our children.

Again, happy Father's Day to all! I hope you were able to enjoy your day, with your kids, no matter how old they may be!