I love being a Daddy.
When my kids were little, I'd have the greatest time getting down on the floor and playing with them -- making funny faces and silly noises; teasing them with jokes and nonsensical statements; giving piggyback rides all over the house.
Being a Daddy also meant I had a legitimate excuse to do "kid" things with them, even if the kids weren't interested -- building stuff with Tinkertoys and Legos, playing vroom vroom with Matchbox cars and trucks.
As my kids grew up, I couldn't play Tinkertoy and vroom vroom with them anymore. I still wanted to, but their interests changed and matured. Instead, my joy that derived from playing on the floor with their toys changed to the special joy derived from pride as I watched them do well in school and develop into wonderful adults.
As my daughter has given me two grandsons over the past 4-1/2 years, I'm getting to do the "kid stuff" again. Tinkertoys and Lincoln logs are back in my life -- maybe Lego will be soon, too, as Jack becomes old enough.
As I watch my kids moving ahead with their own life journeys, I feel like every day is Father's Day.
I get such happiness and pride and pleasure when I hear of the little everyday things Jennifer is teaching Jack and little Gabriel. I am so proud to see what a phenomenal Mommy she is. The proof is there to see, as I realize what wonderful little people she is shaping.
And I am thrilled when I see the latest film work by my son Michael. He's still paying his dues in a very tough field -- filmmaking. But the work he's done so far is awesome, and I am always blown away by his creativity and his skill.
And not only on Father's Day, but every day, I think of my own father and all that I learned from his gentle and quiet and humble example. I miss him terribly, even after 11 years. But he's still with me, all the time and I know how lucky I am to have had him as the greatest example of what a Daddy could be.
It makes me feel good, as I read the card my daughter gave me today. At the end of the nice card prose, she wrote: "What an example of a father you are-- the best."
Well, I don't know about the best, but I certainly try and I love the job.