An ode to dads…

So, I know Fathers Day was almost a month ago. But, life happens. And I feel like now is the right time to post this. As I lie in bed, with my little prince fast asleep next to me, I find myself missing my husband terribly. Noah and I are still in Cape Town, while Jason went back home to Durban this past Saturday. This is the longest that Jason has been away from Noah and I. We’re reaching the end of a 7days, 8nights stretch of no daddy. And boy has it been tough on our boy. 

He keeps calling for daddy, asking for daddy, looking for daddy around each corner. Everything that looks like or resembles a phone of sorts is picked up by Noah, and he says hello to his daddy. For my part, I keep showing him photos of his dad, as well as photos of him with his dad. I wish I could capture his smile when he sees his dad’s face. The joy, the excitement – it’s beautiful!

This got me thinking of my own dad. We’ve spent the last 2 weeks or so at my parents house. I’ve got to spend some quality time with my parents. Noah has been able to spend some quality time with his grandparents. Noah has missed his dad terribly this week. I miss my dad terribly when we’re home in Durban, and he’s here in Cape Town. 

I’m reminded of very thing my dad does for not just me, but our whole family. And, at the same time, all that Jason does for Noah and I. Dads are a special breed. I’m not talking about fathers who are around when it suits them. I’m talking about the dads who coach sports, have tea parties, build things, wrestle, cuddle, love and protect…no matter what. This is the kind of dad my dad is. And this is the kind of dad Noah has.

And these are just two of the strong father-figures my son has, to learn from, to grow up with, to show him what makes a good man. I’m so thankful for each strong male figure that Noah has, to guide him to become the very best man he can be. He has a dad, grandfathers, uncles, godfathers and close family friends. 

Thank you for the role each of you play in Noah’s life. 

Thank you Jason, for being the best dad, who loves Noah unconditionally, fiercely protects him, and would do anything for him. You are his first example of what a true man of God looks like – he could have no better role model!

Thank you dad, for being the best dad for me, for loving me unconditionally, for all the advice about anything and everything, for all the laughs and good times. 

Thank you Don, for being the best dad for Jason, and for all you have done for our family!

Thank you Shane, Destiny, Ryan, George, Robert and Mthoko, for the role each of you are playing in moulding our little prince to be a strong man after God’s own heart. 

I’ll leave you with this verse:

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 NKJV