Hey, this is Pop
Every time my daddy would call one of us, he would say, “Hey, this is Pop, I’m just checking in.” Of course, we’d roll our eyes at each other across the room, because we knew it was him 😂 Until he simply wasn’t able anymore, he’d call every day, sometimes several times a day. If someone didn’t answer, he’d move on to the next person, and wouldn’t stop dialing numbers until he got an answer. He was always genuinely interested in what you had going on, where you had been, or what you had coming up. I miss him, and I could be sad, but darned if I don’t smile on a daily basis, because SO many things around here remind me of him. Sometimes, I seriously hear him telling me what I should do, and I see him in my backyard swing. I hope I never lose that. He seized every opportunity to tell us that he loved and appreciated us, and let’s just say, the feeling was very mutual. He was a grateful man, and I feel that he taught me the importance of being grateful for what I had.
When I think about gratefulness, I can’t help but think about my own husband and the daddy he is to our boys. Now this is where I could cry like a big ole baby. I think it’s because most of the world doesn’t get a chance to see our guys through our eyes. For me, the world sees a stern, straight forward, take no bull kind of fella, and that’s not a lie, BUT there’s a whole different person in there that loves us so big. Now, don’t get me wrong, he’s a tough one at home too, if need be, but he’s also gentle and kind. He has worked a hard, full time, very physical job for 41 years, all for us. If we need it, we got it, and if we want it, he’s gonna do all he can. He’s my best buddy, the one I want to be with when the world around me just doesn’t feel right. Ya’ll know how it feels to be under your favorite blanket, on the couch, watching the absolute best movie? Okay, so that’s what he feels like to me, and I am so grateful.
The only thing that equates to watching Benny be a daddy to our own boys, is watching my son be a dad! Seriously, I just wasn’t prepared 🥹 Sometimes it feels like my mama hurt might explode. He is such a teddy bear when it comes to our little Emmett. He cares, he cares SO much. I have loved watching his little family grow more than words can express. His whole world spins around Emmett and Ashley, and I couldn’t be prouder. He takes his role very seriously, and I don’t know how else to say it other than, I’m not at all worried about them, and that speaks volumes to me. He brings such a calmness with him wherever he goes, and honestly gives the most comfy hugs. He has truly been a joy, and I pray he always knows that I see him.
I feel as though I have been surrounded with goodness when it comes to dads in my life, my father in law, my brother, my uncles, my nephews, our family friends. Some say good men are hard to find, but my family has been blessed with so many and it doesn’t go unnoticed. They love, they lead, and they provide, and I don’t believe for one minute I’m the only one! You guys have keepers too!
As Father’s Day rolls in again, let’s spoil them a little bit. Sometimes we forget they need affirmation too. The world expects a lot from our guys. It’s not easy. Being “the daddy” is a heavy load, and often times their stresses go unnoticed. As mamas, sometimes we get so caught up in your own neediness, for lack of a better word, that we overlook the needs of daddy. As different as we are, we are also very much the same. Our needs aren’t that far apart. This weekend belongs to him, so love him up! It’s not about an expensive gift or a fancy meal, it’s about noticing him for all that he does. Sincere recognition is a great gift!
Before closing, I have to say one more thing. One of the last times my daddy was actually able to call me on his own, he said, “I’m sorry I call you so much.” I sure hope he knows I didn’t mind.
HAPPY, HAPPY Father’s Day