Father's Day    

I originally wrote this post on Father's Day in 2013; 

I decided to repost with a few pictures from the album I created for Kevin. 

The album was created in 2003, so just a year after our youngest, Drew, was born.

This day brings with it mixed emotions for me.  I am married to a wonderful man who is an amazing father to our four children.  So, when my focus is on him on this day, I just feel sweetly blessed and forever grateful for his love.  

My own father passed away when I was in college, and the pain of that loss still, still after more than twenty years, lingers in my heart.  My husband's father, one of the most precious men ever, has also passed away, and the void of that loss will never be filled.  Thus, my mixed emotions.

Today I am choosing to honor the past, and yet celebrate the present.  Ladies, please, bring out the best in your men.  You see how wonderful they are, make sure you point that out to your children who might be missing it or not be appreciating their dads.  

I can not look into my dad's eyes today and tell him how he was my everything, how he was my foundation growing up, but I can help my children see that in their father.  I won't miss that opportunity.

On that note, I close to get back to my family, but I want to share this wonderful poem by Jacqueline Marie Griffiths that I came across years ago.  I made a photo album for my husband out of its simple and yet engaging words.  I hope it inspires you to appreciate the man in your world.


The strength of a man isn't seen in the width of his shoulders.
It's seen in the width of his arms that circle you..

The strength of a man isn't in the deep tone of his voice.
It's in the gentle words he whispers...

The strength of a man isn't how many buddies he has.
It's how good a buddy he is with his kids...

The strength of a man isn't in how respected he is at work.
It's in how respected he is at home...

The strength of a man isn't in how hard he hits.
It's in how tender he touches...

The strength of a man isn't in the hair on his chest.
It's in his Heart, that lies within his chest...

The strength of a man isn't how many women he's loved.
It's in can he be true to one woman...

The strength of a man isn't in the weight he can lift.
It's in the burdens he can carry...


 © July 15, 1999
Jacqueline Marie Griffiths

In my photo album, I included the following lines written by me:

 The strength of a man isn't in the quality of his car,
It's in the quality of his character.

The strength of a man isn't in the power of his muscles,
It's in the power of his prayer.

The strength of a man isn't in the growth of his income,
It's in the growth of his children.

The strength of a man is seen...in your smile.

This is the website for poem:  http://www.sapphyr.net/women/strengthofman.htm

Happy Father's Day to all of the fathers out there!

Enjoy the day!