Fathers Day Reflections

I really didn't know sadness at a funeral until I had experienced first hand the death of a loved one. Now, I can appreciate the pain felt by those who have lost yet remain in the happiness of a glorious reunion in the hereafter.

Its not the brightest way to start of writing but it sets the scene for the latest realisation I have had. I now know what its like to be a father with responsibilities. In some ways, I'm writing this to let go of some of my childish ways...not all of them...but some.

Just a little over 9 months ago my (and our) lives changed when our little munchkin came into our home. Just gone over 2 years old this small child, barely 9kg, blonde hair and the most riveting blue eyes looked up at us at a church activity and with her little hands raised to Sunny melted hearts. She said nothing. After that, every time she saw me or Sunny she would raise her arms and want to be picked up. (This photo above, taken December 2008).

She could take steps, but not a lot of them. Often she face planted while trying to run. Her feet, a small size 2/3.

The story behind this little miracle would break your heart to those who don't know it, I wont tell it here....but just to say...things have certainly changed.

To all you dads, and lovely single mums out there I can certainly relate to how you must feel sometimes. Looking at them sleeping standing at their door. Sometimes kneeling beside them just to hear them breathing. Taking them to school or care and seeing them happy to come and pick them up. The excitement in their eyes.

This little munchkin has come a long way. She can run faster than a runny nappy, talk until your ears come off, give you smiles that will melt you in your place and she is well on her way to being a happy young child.

Her words are becoming clearer and her word count is becoming larger.

My favourite is to listen to her at prayer time. Her arms fold, head bows and "dear Jesus" is her simple start. Ta family, ta mummy, ta daddy, and so the list continues.

How lucky I feel to be counted as someone special enough to be a 'father' to such a sweet spirit as she is.

I can now say fully, thank you to my father.

Dad...thanks for the times when I did things you weren't exactly happy about and you told me...and gave me a chance to get better.

Dad...thanks for the times when you taught me how to do things, in workplaces, at home, at church, so that I had an example on how to do things when I growed up.

Dad...thanks for the times when I needed things and we didn't exactly have the money...but somehow you made it happen, and now I know how you and mum sometimes went without to make sure I didn't.

Dad...thanks for the times when I was hurt, or injured, or sore and you did things to make it feel better or not so bad...even the lumbar puncture night in 88 when you were down the other end of the childrens ward, not wanting to see me in pain...you held me later that night and told me it was ok.

Dad...thanks for the times when you gave me blessings when I was sick, when you ordained me to offices, and took me out at all hours of the day to help others in need.

Dad...thanks for the times when you told me off for disrespecting my mother, even that one time you chased me down and spanked me for swearing at her once...once was enough.

Dad...thanks...for being the sounding board when things become difficult and I need to bounce ideas off someone.

Love you lots dad.

Wiremu B