Happy Father’s Day (a bit late)

I’m a bit late in sharing this post, but the last couple of days have been a bit tough and bittersweet. On Father’s Day,  I truly enjoyed celebrating my husband, for being the awesome father that he is, but I was also missing my dad. And to top it off, it was also the three year anniversary of my mother’s passing as well. Even in my tardiness, I wanted to make sure and honor two special men in my life.  

I want to honor two important men in my life. My husband, Armand and my dad, Stephen. Let me begin with my dad.

Father’s Day, for the last five years has been really tough. In 2012, some weeks after Father’s Day, my dad passed away from that dreaded and non-discriminating disease known as cancer. A couple of months before his passing he was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. It’s a very aggressive form of cancer. My dad may not have been healed on this side of heaven, but he is definitely ok now. I’m very thankful for my faith in God and the peace He gave me during that time.

My dad was the first man I loved and played a part in shaping me into the woman I am today. During a certain period of time in my life, my dad and I had a strained relationship. I thank God for the last few years of his life because thanks be to God, we repaired our relationship and became closer than before. Although the we went through a rough season, I’m glad we had that season. It helped shape me and taught me some valuable lessons. Things that I can pass on to my children and apply to my life. I miss my dad terribly and would love to to see him again. I miss our after Work conversations, our talks about sports, the laughs shared as he told stories from his childhood, the smell of his cooking when I walked in the house, his love for cooking, his love for his wife and his children and most importantly, his love for God. I was truly blessed to have him as my dad and although days like this are tough, I’m grateful for the time I had with him and know I will see him again.

Armand, my love, my best friend, the head of our household, the father of my children, my confidant, my sports watching buddy, my laughing partner and more, I am truly grateful for him. We met in college, in 2003 and I love him dearly. I love many, many things about him, but what truly has captured my heart is to see him as a father. Before we had children, I never doubted the he would be a good dad, but to see it everyday has been awesome. The love, compassion and leadership he shows them day in and out is to be admired. I’m so grateful to be in this lifelong journey of parenthood with him. I couldn’t imagine it with anyone else. God blessed me beyond what I prayed for.