Super Dads to the Rescue

Title: Super Dads to the Rescue

June 13, 2009

Today’s mom does it all. She is nurturer, care giver, nurse, lover, best friend, navigator, personal assistant, administrative assistant, baker and, oh, yes, she works full time for the family’s income, too. That is the definition of today’s Super Mom. What about Super Dads though? Do they exist? Do they deserve the same "super" title? You bet they do.
Most dads of today work full time to support the family. Some even work anywhere from 50-80 hours a week to do this. After work, dad welcomes the tackle of his children, gets on his aging knees and plays "horsie" to his youngest. His back is about to give out but cannot resist the charms of, "One more time, daddy!" Twice a week he coaches Little League, staying after the game to let the kids hit some extra balls. When it is all done, he digs into his shrinking pocket and buys ice cream for the whole team at the concession stand. On the weekends, he is busy washing mom’s minivan. He washes his after hers. Sure, he may spend a little more time on his wheels, but that is fair enough. The afternoon is spent mowing the lawn. He keeps glancing over at the cars to see what a good job he did, which keeps him smiling with each pass. After dinner, he sits on the back porch, having his favorite drink, looking at his well manicured lawn and showroom clean cars. He asks for a pat on the back from his wife, which he gets with a smile. She knows that as much as he complains about all of the jobs he has to do, he will always do them. He does it because he loves his wife and loves his children. And this is just the "regular" Super Dad. There are also Super-Duper Dads out there.
This title is reserved for an elite group. The title is not handed out like candy. This dad must be truly exceptional. This Dad is the single dad who does all that Super Dad does, and then does what mom would do, too. He kisses boo-boos away and he takes his daughter to ballet class every week. He never misses a PTA meeting, he finds time to teach his son how to fish and gives him the confidence to take the training wheels off the bike. Fortunate to be the daughter of a Super-Duper Dad myself, I know that the life of a single dad is one of sacrifice and selflessness. I always knew that I was number one to my dad. I always knew that no matter how bad I messed up, he would still be there for me. I knew that dad was going to cry on my wedding day. I knew that he would cry again each time I gave him another grandchild. Now my children know what a Super-Duper Pop-Pop he is.
Dads of all shapes, sizes and circumstances rise to the occasion each day. They earn the love and respect of their children and often that of fellow parents as well. This Father’s Day, if you are fortunate enough to be married to a Super Dad or be the child of a Super-Duper Dad, let them know how much they are loved and appreciated. If the words do not come naturally, actions work just fine, too