Father's Day

How do you teach a child the meaning of love?

Is it by listening and paying attention, showing them that their ideas, struggles and accomplishments have value?

Yes, that. Without question.

And here's the little extra Kevin gives to Ana and Elliot that shows them the meaning of love each day:

• It's the strawberry (with the leaves cut off) on the plate of pancakes you make when I'm thinking, "Today is a cereal day."


• It's the long anecdote after work about the child who came into the restaurant...it's like each child in the world is yours too.


• The surrendering of sleep...and your ties and shoes...just perfect for Ana's constant games of dress up and baby.


• It's the bottle of bubbly water you bring home from work cause you know Ana loves it. Even though she won't be awake when you get home.


• Or knowing exactly how to get an instant belly laugh out of Elliot.


• It's making funny faces at the doctor to distract the baby from a shot or medicine.


• Or stopping at the Farmer's Market on a Tuesday just for avocado popsicles.


• Stalking the online clearance racks for the cutest kids' clothes (I don't think you can help yourself(-;)


• Asking Ana each day, "Do you know what? I think I forgot to tell you something today. I love you."

A thousand small kindnesses each day. What a tremendous example to me and our children you are, Kevin. Thank you for being on this journey with me, and for sharing your gentle love with us. I believe Ana and Elliot are and will be confident and loving because of how intensely and thoroughly you give to them. Happy Father's Day, Baby. You really are the best.

And to my own daddy, so far away in Honduras...

Happy Father's Day. We miss you and love you. Come back to us soon, safe and sound.