Daddies

A purple winter coat engulfs a small girl with dark brown bangs and a swinging ponytail. She is gripping the hand of her Daddy tightly as they make their way down a busy sidewalk street. She shyly smiles and whispers a comment here and there. He leans down enthusiastically, encouraging her that it will be another exciting day at school. They wait patiently at the corner of the busy intersection, sirens wail by in a hurried frenzy of need. The Dad cups the little girl’s ears and smiles with reassurance. He dons her pink backpack on his back and she giggles with delight.

Daddies, the really good ones, are a rare breed. The ones that take their littles for hot chocolate dates and park picnics. The ones that carry their kids on their shoulders as if they are the best trophies they have ever won (and they are). Daddies are special and kids know this without explanation.  There is something balanced and oh so needed with this relationship. How children run to the door, fighting the dog to get Daddy’s attention first, and are instantly rewarded with snuggles and tickles.

I love it when Chris comes home when I am nearly ready to lose all sanity with my children. He swoops them up for belly bites and raspberry kisses. Squeals of glee and deepest laughter fill the kitchen. They flip to the couch where imaginative adventures take place: The grouchy mommy-monster lurks in the kitchen nearby as stormy oceans rage against their couch ship.  Navigating around boiling water between coffee table and chair. Plastic toys catapulting through the air as Chris encourages yet another swan dive from the couch’s arm to his chest – ooof!

Alphabet recitations and Twinkle Twinkle recitals commence as pajamas are adorned. Colorful books are read between the crooks of strong arms. Bedtime prayers quiet little voices to hushed whispers and it is the end of another day. Although a Daddy might not have the same amount of time, the quality is equally matched. Like lemonade concentrate added to a pitcher of water, a little bit goes a long way to achieve outstanding happiness.