When my husband proposed to me almost 13 years ago, I was a single Mom. He was well aware that Ashley and I were a package deal. It meant by loving me, he must also love her just as much – if not more. It meant that by asking me to be a part of his life that he would also be joining me in the role of parenthood.
After proposing to me on bent knee at a beautiful birthday dinner he had planned for me in the city, we both could not wait to get home to celebrate with Ashley and my family. We drove to my parents house where Ashley had been staying for the evening and agreed we would surprise her with the news.
One of our favorite books to read to Ashley when she was younger was “Guess How Much I Love You” Joe had brought along a copy and scooped Ashley up onto his knee to read it to her. When he was finished, he sat her on the couch. He stood in front of her and asked her if she knew just how much he loved her and her Mom. As she stared at him wide eyed and looking a bit puzzled, her got down on bended knee and pulled out a tiny diamond ring shaped like a butterfly. “May I be your Step Dad?” he asked, placing the tiny ring on her finger. It literally took my breath away. Jumping up and into his arms then jumping back down to me, together we cried. My heart had never been so full in my lifetime. It was the beginning of our family.
Thirteen wonderful years have passed and our love and family has continued to grow. We are now a family of five – with a nine-year-old son Aidan and five-year-old daughter Hailey (and our sweet Ashley is almost 21)!
Joe has always been a super Dad. He’s the kind of guy who will do whatever he can to be there for every event, every milestone, everything that is important in any way to our kids (and me). He calls to check in on us when he is at work and he rushes home to be with us every evening. No matter how tired he is at the end of the day, he is ready and eager to spend time with the kids whether it be shuffling my son off to a sports practice or cub scouts or listening to my daughters chatter about their day. He takes time to text and message our daughter Ashley at college. When the kids get sick, he is right there to help me out cleaning up, nurturing them and making sure everyone is taken care of. He does everything he possibly can to keep us all happy. He works hard so that I can stay home and take care of the kids. He is such a positive role model for my children of what an outstanding Dad should be, and I know that he is instilling all of these values and characteristics in my children as well. Joe believes in family first – and that is exactly what keeps us strong even through the challenging times life occasionally throws our way.
As a little girl, I always dreamed of marrying my Prince Charming. Little did I know that my dreams would come true – and then some. When I look at my family and my life, I cannot be more thankful for all that I have been blessed with. There is no one in this world I would rather be growing old with than my husband Joe. He truly is the love of my life, my best friend and the most amazing father my children could ever wish for.
Today I celebrate my children’s Daddy. Happy Father’s Day to the guy who has taken my heart and filled it with more love than I ever imagined it could hold. Thank you for making this journey we call life the sweetest adventure a girl could dream. I LOVE YOU MORE – MORE than you will ever know and MORE than any words could ever begin to express. You are my heartbeat, my breath, my everything. Our family is the greatest gift we share and I thank you for all of the love and dedication you so freely give. I hope you know that your family absolutely adores you – and the kids cannot wait to spoil you with love on your special day!
I also want to take the time to wish a very Happy Father’s Day to all of the wonderful Dads out there – including my Dad and Father-In-Law! May you all enjoy spending time with your families on this beautiful – and hopefully very relaxing day!
