When my husband was very little, his dad left the family. He has played a very, very small role in Sa's life and even though the only lives a few blocks away from us now, we only see him a few times a year. Sa rarely talks about him, but on occasion, when he's really frustrated about it he'll say, "It's HIS fault I don't know how to be a dad!"
Every time he says this, I'm stunned. Sa is the most AMAZING father. In everything he does, he tries to involve the kids. Take today for example...
This morning we decided we needed to run into town to grab some things and we wanted to leave pretty quickly. We send the kids to go get dressed then Sa turns to me and says, " Babe, you go ahead and shower and I'll get breakfast together." That was music to my ears! I happily run and jump in the shower. After taking far too long in the shower I return to the kitchen. Reed is cutting up portugese sausage and Sa is doing the dishes while instructing Brooklyn how to crack and scramble eggs. He even stands over the kids while teaching them how to cook everything! Could he have done it faster on his own? Absolutely! Was the extra time he took to teach the kids worth it to him? With out a doubt.
We've had an awesome day! We went shopping, took the kids to swim lessons and then to the movies with my sister's family and my mom.
When we get home Sa tells me, "Go ahead and start dinner while I change the oil in the car." While I fix dinner, I hear the kids outside talking and I figured they were just watching Sa. When I go outside to call them in to eat, I am greeted with this picture...
The kids weren't just watching Sa, he was letting them help! I walked out in the middle of him saying, "Now, when you go to buy the filter, you need to make sure you tell them the make, model and year of your car..." They each took turns screwing, tightening, placing the oil box, examining the filter...what ever job that needed to be done, they were doing it. Did I mention that the three out there are 9, 6 and 3? He even let them each pour a quart of oil.
Did you notice it's dark outside? It was getting late, we've had a busy day and you'd think he'd just want to get the job over and done with so he could finally relax! Instead, it was more important to him to have the kids out there helping and learning and slowing him down. This is the kind of father he is and he didn't need anyone to teach him that!
14 comments:
That is truly impressive! When I'm in a hurry it is so much easier to just get things done and over with! Even when I'm not in a hurry it takes patience to slow down and teach Ambrose. I love how in love you and sa are. Great examples!
i love this post... like steph said, sometimes it's so much easier to just get it done. but then, not really, because the kiddos are cranky and wanting attention.
Sa, you rock! and you're an awesome dad!
Molly, these photos are so beautiful! I just posted on Facebook that I felt like I had "run out of Nice"....but this encourages me to keep plugging along for the sake of my kids! :)
that's so awesome. Seriously...I am not as patient as that. WAY to go SA!
Wow, go Sa! Seriously, he seems to be doing just fine without having had a Dad example in his life. When you want to be a good parent and are willing to make the effort, Heavenly Father definitely blesses you (Sa is obviously an example of this). Awesome. Now, can he come teach us how to change the oil in our car? Better yet, we'll come there! =)
Wow Molly, this is so great! I would never had known Sa grew up without a father in his life, he is such an awesome father! I hope my own boys will grow up knowing how to be a father w/out having their own father around. Way to go Sa! Molly, you and Sa are such great parents!! :)
Id have to agree with what everyone said and also add that these moments are pricelss! What I wouldnt give for my own children to have that kind of relationship with their dad who lives right here with us. Dont get me wrong he tries but still hasnt quite gotten how precious this time is with his kids! You are lucky and so is Sa to have a wonderful wife like you!
What a great post! I am sure he is blessed because he has a wife and children who appreciate HIM!
I think your husband is a very smart man, too....now when you need your oil changed, he will have 3 kids who will know how to do it!
I heard my sister is going to see you all this weekend. Thank you for including her. She is homesick this week.
since the first day that i met sa, i knew he was a great husband and father. he is the perfect father that any kid could ask for. we love you sa!
This post is great!!!!! I love to see the kids "happily" helping too.
Beautiful post. Actually Sa's dad DID teach him. He made Sa realize just how much he wants to be a very, very good dad.
Seems like you already have some homeschoolin' going on :)
Get this. I actually read your blog before moving to Hawaii while searching for as much info as I could find about living here.
Good luck with your upcoming decisions. We will miss you if you leave.
Michelle
Oh wait, that comment about homeschooling was suppose to go on this post. Anyway...
Michelle
Oh there it is. Never mind. It is way too late. Must. go. to. bed.
Post a Comment