Dear Chris,

For the past four-and-a-half years, I’ve seen you grow and learn and thrive as a father.  I’ve seen our children grow and learn and thrive with you as their father.

Last Father’s Day, our baby daughter was only three months old, and I found myself reflecting on the father/daughter relationship that I have with my dad.  This year, with 15 months of being a father-of-two under your belt, I’ve noticed some amazing things about your relationship with our children from my vantage point:

-You are their hero.  They watch everything that you do, learn from everything that you do, and want to do everything that you do.  You are, and will continue to be, a big player in their self-esteem.  You’re teaching them to be confident, self-assured, and proud.

-Little girls are just as capable as little boys, and little boys are just as capable as little girls.  You are teaching our daughter to have strength, and our son to have sensitivity.  You are ignoring gender roles and raising our kids as people.  You’re teaching them equality.

-They’re watching how you treat me.  They’re watching how you never leave or enter our house without kisses and hugs.  You’re teaching them how to be a great partner.  You’re teaching them about the important treasure that is family.

-The kindness you show to other people rubs off on them.  They see you help others and give generously.  You’re teaching them compassion and respect, manners and appreciation.

-Your humour is a staple in our lives; how quiet our house would be without laughter!  They expect tickles with your hugs and whiskers with your kisses.  You’re teaching them to smile, to find joy, and to feel happiness.

-The father/daughter relationship and father/son relationship are both unique.  One is not better or worse, more or less, stronger or weaker than the other.  But they are different.  You are providing both of them with what they need.  You’re teaching them to love and to be loved.

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!  We love you!