Last Friday, my son-in-law, Adam, took his two girls to a “Father-Daughter” dance at their school. Collette and Sierra picked out fancy new dresses for the occasion, and Adam treated them to dinner before the big event. My granddaughters were giddy with excitement.
I first learned about Adam when I visited my daughter, Kristy, during her student teaching years. On the day I observed her classroom, the principal hosted an assembly for all students. After we had gathered in a large room, Kristy lifted her chin toward a teacher sitting with a group of well-behaved third graders and whispered, “He's the one.”
After dating for a while, Kristy formally introduced me to Adam at his house in San Rafael. He shared a tidy home with his beloved cat, Dexter. Blooming flowers decorated his front garden. Even then, I witnessed his nurturing spirit.
When Adam sought our blessing to marry Kristy, Andy and I were thrilled. We knew he loved her as much as she loved him. Their wedding was a joyous celebration for our families. Several years later, the couple handed a gift bag to me. I lifted the feather-light sack, wondering about its contents since it wasn’t my birthday or a holiday. I peeked inside and pulled out a bib with the words “I love Mimi” inscribed on it. My first grandchild was on its way.
Adam is a quiet, unassuming man who gets things done. He savors his role as husband and father. He manifests love through well-tended gardens, a commitment to his career, loading the dishwasher, folding endless loads of laundry, playing the guitar, fixing all things electronic, balancing the budget, and hosting fun gatherings for family and friends.
Right now, my granddaughters take him for granted. They assume all dads take their kids to “Father-Daughter” dances, buy them muffins on Friday mornings, and shoot hoops after school. For Collette and Sierra, family events such as riding bikes, hiking, stopping at garage sales, beach days, vacations, camping trips, ball games, and lunch in Chinatown are simply a part of growing up.
One day, Collette and Sierra will see what I see. They will realize their great fortune in having a dad who puts his family first. They will come to understand the sacrifices he has made on their behalf. Adam’s reward will come as he watches his daughters transition into confident, independent, and assertive women who take on the world.
I first learned about Adam when I visited my daughter, Kristy, during her student teaching years. On the day I observed her classroom, the principal hosted an assembly for all students. After we had gathered in a large room, Kristy lifted her chin toward a teacher sitting with a group of well-behaved third graders and whispered, “He's the one.”
After dating for a while, Kristy formally introduced me to Adam at his house in San Rafael. He shared a tidy home with his beloved cat, Dexter. Blooming flowers decorated his front garden. Even then, I witnessed his nurturing spirit.
When Adam sought our blessing to marry Kristy, Andy and I were thrilled. We knew he loved her as much as she loved him. Their wedding was a joyous celebration for our families. Several years later, the couple handed a gift bag to me. I lifted the feather-light sack, wondering about its contents since it wasn’t my birthday or a holiday. I peeked inside and pulled out a bib with the words “I love Mimi” inscribed on it. My first grandchild was on its way.
Adam is a quiet, unassuming man who gets things done. He savors his role as husband and father. He manifests love through well-tended gardens, a commitment to his career, loading the dishwasher, folding endless loads of laundry, playing the guitar, fixing all things electronic, balancing the budget, and hosting fun gatherings for family and friends.
Right now, my granddaughters take him for granted. They assume all dads take their kids to “Father-Daughter” dances, buy them muffins on Friday mornings, and shoot hoops after school. For Collette and Sierra, family events such as riding bikes, hiking, stopping at garage sales, beach days, vacations, camping trips, ball games, and lunch in Chinatown are simply a part of growing up.
One day, Collette and Sierra will see what I see. They will realize their great fortune in having a dad who puts his family first. They will come to understand the sacrifices he has made on their behalf. Adam’s reward will come as he watches his daughters transition into confident, independent, and assertive women who take on the world.
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