This Father's Day
Me and my Dad, Long Neck, DE (1984)
Father’s Day is a special time for families to reflect on all the sentiment surrounding Dad and those Dad-like guys in our lives. If I asked my own father about this special day and how best to celebrate, my guess his response would be also a favorite saying, "Everyday’s a holiday, every meal’s a banquet, and every night’s a Saturday night.”
A lot of times Dad’s and father figures fly under the radar for recognition, but they truly deserve medals of honor. For their valiant days at work, followed by entering the unknown and often un-chartered territory each night as they cross the threshold. Or at least here in this home during this season of life.
I’ve been thinking how often our guy comes home after a long day of work and is instantly thrown in the trenches for potty training, fort construction, Frozen sing-along parties in a variety of languages, being a grill-meister or clean-up crew (emotionally or for those mile high dishes).
He does it lovingly. He never questions. He just jumps right in.
How many of us can say the same?
Gender roles are a thing of the past and we easily flip-flop from Frozen dress-up dance parties to who’s cleaning out the garage (‘eh hem it was time so someone had to take initiative over a rainy weekend). Everyone pitches in and we share the wealth when it comes to chores and maintaining the home.
Whatever task(s) your guy does or doesn’t do, they seemingly fall into two categories, the fun guy or the disciplinarian. Regardless the label, these men certainly provide a balance. Here in our family, we are especially grateful for our utility player. He who pitches in wherever he’s needed most.
My husband and daughter, surf fishing (taken on iPhone)
These teachers and irrevocable leaders of life skills like fishing, biking, playing catch, or video/app gaming, and those unmistakable MacGuyver like problem-solving skills, do come in handy later on.
Although those basic skills seem rudimentary, I realize now even in the quietest moments together, doing the smallest activities, forge the strongest bonds. I do my best to observe during those times.
As a photographer, it is so endearing to witness behind the lens. It’s like all that man strength melts into a sugary blob around their young.
I love capturing how the little ones engage with their families, and the playfulness that often exists between Dad and child. It’s light, airy and joyous.
Yet it has always been magical to catch those paternal moments of love and affection shower over families. And, I’m pretty sure that steady rain turns into misty memories lasting a lifetime.
So, if you’re reading this, I’d love the opportunity to capture your families celebrations, big or small, because everyday is a holiday! It’s easy to get swept up our daily lives, so for those busy people and families, I offer mini-sessions which is a fraction of time spent on a traditional session along with a handful of photos that are suitably you. Dad’s especially love how little time is spent and the value is HUGE!
Wishing all those father’s past and present, father’s-to-be, and father-like people in our lives a day filled with love, admiration and recollection of what makes them so special.
