dads

Cheers to the Dads & Grandpas

Sitting at my grandpa’s funeral, a devastated 17 year old, I remember listening to my dad give a speech about his life. A part of that speech was a story I’d forgotten about until today.

When my dad was young he enjoyed himself a good ol’ mayonnaise and cheese sandwich (gross, I agree). One evening he wanted his mayo and cheese snack. My grandma told him no, blaming a broken mayonnaise jar. In my dad’s kindergarten eyes this was no problem, my grandpa would fix it. This time the jar was, in-fact, unfixable. At my grandpa’s funeral my dad explained that was the last time his dad was unable to fix his problems.

As we were getting ready for bed tonight I heard something drop on the floor. I looked over and saw it was Brantley’s favorite seashell. This dang shell has been sitting on the counter for three months. I’ve tried to move it, hide it, put it away, and that thing keeps making its way back to the counter. I looked at the shell, I looked at Sam who gave me the not good look, and waited for Brantley to realize what happened.

Brantley slid off the chair and fell into my lap in tears. That story about my grandpa popped right into my mind as I was trying to console a four year old over a broken seashell given to him by his Memaw. I thought of my dad fixing our problems because he had a dad who fixed his. To me a broken seashell was no big deal. To little boys a broken shell and a mayonnaise jar meant so much more.

Just then I heard Sam assure Brantley we could fix the shell (and I was hoping super glue would magically appear). I found some glue, I put Brooks to bed, and came downstairs to a little white seashell resting on a paper towel waiting for glue to dry. That four year old? Content on the floor playing because dad fixed his problem..again.

I flashed forward to years ahead where we will be consoling him over missed shots, broken hearts, and every other thing I am not ready for. I thought of my own parents and the times they held me telling me everything would be ok..even if they weren’t quite sure how that would happen. Because that’s what we do as parents– hope and pray we can find the answers.

Today I am thankful for the dads and grandpas who can fix the seashells and all the problems. The dads who find the glue and stick us back together when needed. The dads who lead by the best example. What a grand reminder on this Father’s Day about the little things really being the biggest. ❤️

Here’s to the Momma…

Here’s to the momma with the crying kid in the toy aisle at target. Its ok to cave and get him the toy so he stops. But, if you want to prove a point and let him have that tantrum, we get it.

Here’s to the momma chasing around a toddler while growing another human in her belly. Nap time is coming soon.

Here’s to the momma holding her babe tight after getting shots at the latest doctor check up. It hurts you more than him. At least that’s what the doctors say.

Here’s to the momma sneaking in one last hug on that big college campus before turning around and heading home, leaving their baby in a whole new world. He’ll be ok. He’ll call when he needs money and that’s ok. He knows he can depend on you.

Here’s to the momma whose heart is breaking because they were dealt a hand they didn’t ask for. Hang on momma, you’ll make it through.

Here’s to the momma rockin’ that zumba class, droppin’ those pounds. We all want just a tad of your motivation.

Here’s to the momma dropping her babe off at his dad’s for the weekend. And here’s to the dads for making that weekend the best two days ever.

Here’s to the mommas and daddies doing it on their own. Don’t be too stubborn, though. It’s ok to ask for help.

Here’s to the working mommas who don’t want to get a sitter for date night. There’s only so much time you get before your babes are grown.

Here’s to the stay at home moms who can’t wait to get out the door for date night. Home all day with little people can be exhausting.

Here’s to the momma with the mouthy teenage daughter. She’ll get over that stage, we all did.

Here’s to the mommas and daddies coaching their babies on how to raise their own human. We love your advice even though sometimes we think we don’t need it.

Here’s to the momma dreaming, hoping, praying for their chance to hold a little one. We are dreaming, hoping, praying with you.

Here’s to the momma making sure everything is perfect in the nursery before those contractions start. You feel clueless now but just wait for that first wiff of newborn skin. You got this.

Here’s to the momma traveling for the first time, anxiously making sure everything got packed in the suitcase. Don’t worry, you can buy whatever you forget.

Here’s to the momma walking like a zombie on her 4th trip to the baby’s room that night. You deserve that extra large coffee you’re longing for. Add whip cream to the top, you won’t regret it.

Here’s to the momma trying to make it through the mother/son dance on the day he starts a new journey with his wife. And the daddy fighting back the tears as he walks his favorite girl down the aisle to the man of her dreams. Thanks for showing us what love is.

Here’s to the momma celebrating another birthday with party hats and cupcakes. Where did the last 12 months go?

Here’s to the mommas and daddies everywhere. You’re showing that mom life and dad bod what’s up. You’re not alone in this big world. Baby snugs and puppy love can cure it all. Remember it takes a village. 😘

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