15 years, 7 months.
Dear Jack,
Just a few weeks ago, you left the United States for the first time when we took the cruise to Nova Scotia and Bermuda.
Yesterday morning, you and Mommy left for a school-affiliated trip to Europe. Not only is it your first time to visit Europe, it is Mommy’s too.
Today you’re in France- within the next week, you’ll also travel to Scotland and England.
So… I’m thinking this must be a pretty cool summer for you?
Love,
Daddy
10 years, 2 months.
Dear Holly,
While you were still in school in May, you made a Father’s Day craft that I was supposed to get, but we just now discovered it!
I loved the insight it provided about how you see me and what you really think of me. There was one particular idea that showed up multiple times:
That you see me as helpful.
What that tells me is that is the trait you value and need most from me.
The funny thing is, there isn’t one particular thing that comes to mind. What exactly am I doing that is helping you?
I’m simply sharing my life with you every day. Your presence in my own life is a gift everyday that I never take for granted.
If I’m helping you each day in ways I don’t even recognize, I’m sure you’re doing the same for me as well.
Love,
Daddy
Love,
Daddy
I had just turned 18 years old when I graduated high school in May of 1999. I felt like an adult, because… I officially was. I felt “old enough” for my life to truly begin.
So today on my 18th wedding anniversary, I think, “Wow- I have been sharing my life everyday with the same person for as many years as I was alive when I graduated high school.”
In other words, today our marriage is officially an adult.
That’s funny… because I still barely feel, or act, like an adult myself! (I’m 45.)
Naturally, when people learn it’s your wedding anniversary, the common response is, “Oh, congratulations! That’s a big milestone.” Sometimes it is followed with a playful follow-up: “So what’s your secret?”
Well… I think I’ve got it figured out- from the husband’s point of view:
“Happy life… happy wife.”
Notice I didn’t say, “Happy wife, happy life.”
No, my secret is the opposite: “Happy life, happy wife.”
In other words, a man who is able to build and maintain his life in a way that he creates his own happiness through his own ambition and passion and curiosity, instead of putting that expectation on his wife (Example: “You complete me.”), is a man who provides the environment for his wife to therefore be happy. And perhaps even more important than being “happy”, she will feel safe and secure; as well as entertained and engaged.
A man’s life is not happy because he focuses on making his wife happy.
Instead, a man’s wife is happy because he focuses on making his own life happy; with her by his side, along for the adventure.
Now that I think of it… I’m basically the equivalent of a cruise ship director.
I would love to think of myself as the captain of the cruise ship, in this metaphor. But if I see life itself as a cruise, then I am not in control of where that ship is going- only God is.
The role of a cruise ship director, according to AI when I Google it, tells me that I am the senior ship officer responsible for all onboard entertainment, hospitality, and social programing: the public face of the ship.
Core responsibilities include event management, communication, leadership, and customer service: “acting as an information hub… ensuring a welcoming, lively atmosphere.”
Yep, that’s me. That’s what I do and who I am.
Happy life, happy wife!
That’s the secret, if you ask me.
15 years, 7 months.
Dear Jack,
You and your sister and your cousin Lucy found little ways to keep yourselves entertained in between the official activities on the cruise.
One morning during our daily powwow at Starbucks, I heard giggling behind me. I wasn’t even sure what I was taking pictures of, but I just kept snapping photos anyway.
Before too long, the three of you made your way over to Uncle Jason, so he could taste the “fake beer” you all created using what I believe was the remainder of your drinks, along with whatever packets you found there at the Starbucks counter, like sugar and honey.
By the look on Uncle Jason’s face when he tried the “fake beer”… it was not a refreshing delight.
Love,
Daddy
10 years, 2 months.
Dear Holly,
Each morning leading up to the daily powwow at the Starbucks on the cruise, I would check the ship’s itinerary for that date.
I noticed that on Wednesday, it said, “2:00 PM – 2:30 PM Arts & Crafts – Treasure Box – Bliss Ultra Lounge, Deck 7, Midship”.
So I told you that you and I should at least go check it out, whatever it entailed, since “arts & crafts” has always been one of your go-to activities.
I’m so glad we went. It was a great way for us to spend time together on the cruise, as we assembled and designed a treasure box for you to take home as a souvenir.
Now that we’re back home, I checked in your room just now. Yep, there it is!
Love,
Daddy
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