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Where do daddys come from?

Frankie-8-months Did you ever wonder where Daddys come from? Is there a special room in Heaven where God creates them?

Is there a seed in little boys that grows as they grow and then blossoms when they first see that little one's tiny, puckered mouth?

Exactly where do Daddys come from?

I think I know.

Daddys come from the heart. Our hearts. Every man has a Daddy in him, but not all men tap into that power. For most of us, Daddy is warmth and hope and love and nuturting. Daddy laughs at our silly antics not because they're funny, but because they remind him of being a child, himself. We bring the Daddy out in the men who cradle us throughout our lives. Like my new granddaughter, Frankie, seen here, babies keep their Daddys in a secret spot in their hearts - and share that secret with select people - mostly, their Dads.

Daddys bring that childish wonder with them to their role. They willingly let the Moms be the 'caretakers'... so they can get down on the floor and become a child again, with each little treasure that comes into their lives. They want to share the fun of being alive and testing the rules of life - like gravity. Honestly, who's dad never threw them up in the air and reveled in the glee of baby laughter that accompanied this scary (to Mom) act? Daddys want their kids to experience the thrill of living - beyond the garden gate or the playpen or the front porch. They don't want any harm to come to that child so they take it upon themselves to tempt Fate - always confident they are in charge. And, the children love it.

Not all Daddys were there when you were born. Some came into your life later on. They are no less important or valued. They care as much as any Daddy that went through labor with your Mom. Some care more. Dad-with-kidsSome Daddys work hard to share that role so their kids can grow up sheltered and appreciated, regardless.

Some Daddys gather children to their embrace with open arms - no matter who the child calls 'daddy' at bedtime or breakfastime. Those Daddys are rare and should be honored for their overwhelming ability to love all children - with that special spot in their hearts for the children who kiss them goodnight and pour the milk on the cereal for them, in the morning. (and when the children spill the milk, these daddys just laugh and clean it up)

It's hard to be a Daddy. Maybe that's why some men shy away from it, or never attempt it. The sad thing is they will never know the true joy, the wonder, the sense of accomplishment that comes with teaching a three year old to tie her shoes; teaching a five year old to ride a bike; teaching a ten year old how to fish or camp; teaching a twelve year old that age is just a number and she will always be his little girl (or boy); and teaching a teenager that love is unconditional - for so many reasons!

This picture is MY Dad, doing what he did best - playing with the kids.

I love you Dad!

Comments

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Annie

To all the dad's out there thank you. My dad is gone and it is the first father's day since he passed. I miss him. My husband is definitely a great dad. Funny, involved and someone I am so proud of. How lucky we are for all the dad's in our lives for making our lives better.

Caren Gittleman

Superb!!

Jim

What a great piece of writing, Yvonne! As Toby said, you can be a father and still not be a Daddy.

My children and grandchildren have made me richer than Donald Trump. When I hold Zoe or give our Abbi a piggyback ride, the world seems like a better place.

Someone once said that children are sign that the world should go on.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and your talent.

Toby Bloomberg

Beautiful post! There is indeed a difference between a "daddy" and a "father."

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