From Andrew: Fathers Day 2015

Happy Father's Day! Thanks for all the games of horse and catch, the taxi service, and just generally being there to teach life lessons (like how to fix pipes when it's 40 below outside haha), I don't know where I would be without them!

To Dylan. Fathers Day 2015

Happy Fathers Day Dylan! You have done so much in such a short amount of time. School and work and starting a family have all come to you so quickly. To no-one's surprise you have handled them all with grace and courage and a quiet focus that has become your trademark. As you get further embroiled in this wonderful, wild journey known as "fatherhood" mere words cannot show how proud I am of the man and the father you have become. When Chuck Norris says his Hail Mary's he starts them "Our Dylan..." :)
I love you son!

Maybe I got something right...

As we grow older, I suppose that looking back is inevitable. So many people tell you "Don't look back." or "Those stuck in the past, cannot ever move forward."

But sometimes you look back and know that you just may have gotten something right.

Below are two notes from Son to Father on Fathers Day. They filled me with tears of joy and pride.

"I know things now aren't like either one of us envisioned, and we don't get to spend as much time together as we would like, but I want you to know I always love you just the same. Mistakes were made, things changed, and they are what they are; but that doesn't mean I love you any less. I know things are hard and you're working to get ahead and time is short a lot, and I understand because you know im always hustling, but just know I'll always make time and work around whatever to see you and spend time with you. Also, I'm sorry that I don't always make the biggest effort to keep you updated on track and invite you to meets. I got to a point where I kind of just assumed things and I shouldn't have. Our relationship isn't perfect, there are things we'll have to talk about eventually (and I know part of who you are when it comes to talking and feelings is because of how you were raised, and I cant blame you for that) but its definitely something I want to keep working on, and something I wouldn't trade for anything. I love you Dad."

"Its been a hectic day but I finally found time to put down thoughts. There's a lot that I could say, but it seems simple is best. My prevailing thought all through this first fathers day was that if I could make sure Joseph feels as unconditionally loved as I did growing up, then I've perfected the art. Thanks for giving me all the tools to be who I am today. I love you."

Yes...something went right.