Because of you, our children will learn.

They will learn how to go with the flow and how to take life in stride.Because of you, my kids will know that it’s not a big deal when they are caught in a rainstorm in a Jeep with the top down.They will know that while they need to be protected from the sun, if they lose their hats, they will be okay with just sunscreen on their noses.Because of you, they will learn that if they forget baby wipes and the baby poops, they can make do with a napkin.No big deal.

Because of you, and only because of you, they will know how to can peach jelly, make homemade brownies from your Aunt’s recipe book, and how to light a grill.Because of you, they will know how to plant flowers as a surprise, plant a garden so their children have fresh food, grow grapes, mow the lawn, and what the difference is between watering the ferns and overwatering the ferns.Because of you, my kids will know how to build a table from scratch, how to build and cover a cornice with batting and fabric, how to repair a brick wall, and how to put up a fence.They will know how to fly-fish, how to throw a baseball, and how to pitch a tent.They will know how to pick out curtains and steaks.

They will know how to show gratitude, how to be thoughtful and giving, and how to be the best friend anyone would be lucky enough to have.They will learn to be fiercely loyal but how to walk away from people who aren’t willing to do the same for them.They will learn that family doesn’t always have to be blood.They will learn service, vocation, honor.They will learn how to follow the rules but how to question and break them if they must.They will learn how to be level-headed but passionate and fierce at times.They will learn the value of a dollar, of hard work, and of helping others.They will learn how to love and be loved.

They will learn from you and with you and because of you.On this Father’s Day, thank you for showing my kids #daddystyle.