Father's Day Thoughts

by Brandon Jubar

I sit here today, staring at my computer monitor as I have in years past, not sure what to write about Father's Day. As in the past, I'm not drawing a blank. The fact is... I don't know where to begin!

I could take you back to the beginning, before either of my sons were born. I could talk about my wife being pregnant, how proud I was, how beautiful she looked, and how anxious I was to meet our first baby.

Or I could reminisce about the deliveries -- the first time I met my sons, held them, kissed them, and cried tears of joy to see their healthy, crying faces. Maybe I should tell you how many times I thanked God for bringing them safely into this world and how I vowed to raise them right, love them with all my heart, and never let them down.

Of course, there are other milestones as well -- from rolling over to crawling, from first steps to first words to first days at school -- and I could write an essay on each and every one of them.

On the other hand, instead of describing events, I could just try to describe what it's like for me to be a dad. But how can I possibly do that justice? How can I truly explain what it feels like to have two boys that are growing up so fast in so many ways, and yet they still come to "daddy" for so many things?

How can words describe the pride I feel when I go to my 6th grade son's awards ceremony expecting to see him get an award or two and he walks away with 5 medals, a plaque, and a trophy? How can I explain what its like to attend my 3rd grade son's award ceremony a few days later and watch him bring in a similar haul?

How can I make you understand the way my heart melts when my boys fall asleep in front of the TV on a Saturday night, I carry them to their beds, and through a sleepy fog they say, "I love you, daddy," before rolling over and drifting off to sleep? How can I possibly illustrate those feelings to you?

The fact is I don't know if I can.

What I do know is that being a father is the most important role I could ever play, and raising my boys is the most rewarding task I could ever undertake. And though it's difficult to put my feelings into words, I pray that my actions speak clearly to them. I love my sons more than anything, and I couldn't be any more proud.

I guess that's what being a father is all about.

Peace,
~Brandon