Monday, June 23, 2008

Sons and Son-in-Laws

For a long time I have been considering the role of family in my life. You have to remember I grew up as an only child. One Mom, One Dad, One Child. Now there is a family concept I can get my mind around. I know how that works.

I know how it feels to be alone at times. I know how much I enjoyed private times with my Dad after school before Mom got home from work. We used to talk, sing harmony, fix dinner and just be together. I remember being very young taking naps in the afternoon with my Mom when we would listen to radio (before TV there were children's hours on radio in the afternoon). I was always the focus of all that attention and I loved the adoration.

Often people will ask me "don't you miss having brothers and sisters". My answer is always the same: "I don't know, I never had any I have a hard time understanding what it would be like".

It wasn't until I met Susan that I really considered family in a larger sense. Susan has always had a larger vision for life than I have. From 2 door automobiles to 3 bedroom houses, to dinner for 3 on Sundays I have been stretched into beliving in 9 passanger vans, 6 bedroom houses and enormous Sunday dinners with lots of people.

I must confess that for many years I sat and watched in amazement at the Smith Family events.
When each of the children were born the confusion, noise and demands often got to me and I would retreat to the bedroom. Susan has always been wonderful. She taught me how to be a parent and her example of giving to the family is incredible. All her energy has always been spent on home and family.

Now I watch Brad, Nate, Rick, Shane, James and soon Mathew take on the role of Father. I have been amazed at Brads ability to walk through the front door, put away the outside world and give his whole soul to Missy and the children. No interest of Sam's escapes his view and nothing stops him from understanding Sam's world and happily embracing life from that perspective. Nate is a marvel. From the time Asher was born Nate has been the most important person in his life. He is always aware of where his "Dad" is and learns, the role of a man from a true man -Nate. You can read in Nate's face the longing to be a "soccer coach" for the boys.

Shane has waited the longest to be "Dad". Preparing for Davis was an all consuming process for Shane. From the murals in the nursery to the "hot wheels" collection it is clear where Shane's heart is when it comes to his family. Rick has held the title the longest. It has been an honor to watch his quiet influence on each of the children. In his quiet peaceful way he has conveyed love to the Martin family.

Susan and I have marveled at James and his care of Nicholas. From the very beginning James has been a great Dad. We have never changed a diaper or been asked to "sit". When "little dude" is at our house he is with his Dad. Matthew is next to wear "the order of the diaper". The way he has shown his love for Jenny I know he will be a great Dad.

Five Son-in-laws and one Son who is a Father. They provide the same example, the tradition and bring heartfelt gratitiude to my heart for the way they have stepped up to care for my daughters and grand children. If I would have designed boys for my girls I could not have made better choices.

Someday I will write each of you of my gratitude. It is you that will lead our family, and care for them all and love them. The time is long spent that our children can be taught by parents. It is the dawn of your day to teach the next generation. I thank the Lord, and the keen eye of my daughters, for bringing you into this huge family.

Susan and I often speak of the sweetness of each family circle. In time Steve and "Sister Alba" and Brian and "his Melissa" will share in the joy of children. Each of these "ladies" have added greatly to the quality of our family.

I think I understand family better now. One heart, one purpose and alot of Love. Thank You Boys. HAPPY BELATED FATHERS DAY.

1 comment:

Missletoe said...

We do have some great men folk!