Category: Family

Dear Kerry,

Fatherhood has brought out the best in you as a person and a husband and made the bond of our marriage so much stronger. I’m so thankful for the love and devotion you give to Clara and the love and support you give to me. When she was in my tummy, I would talk to her and tell her she was going to be a wonderful person like you…kind, selfless, loving, giving, caring, intelligent, funny, and strong, yet sensitive.

I love you so much,

Jubers

PS. Since Clara hasn’t exactly learned to write yet, she wanted me to help her thank you for Father’s day…

 

Thank you, Daddy, for helping bring me into this world.

 

 

Thank you, Daddy, for holding me close.

 

 

Thank you, Daddy, for supporting me.

 

 

Thank you, Daddy, for holding me up.

 

 

Thank you, Daddy, for letting me grab on to you.

 

 

Thank you, Daddy, for putting me to sleep.

 

 

Thank you, Daddy, for building a foundation for me.

 

 

Thank you, Daddy, for being by my side.

 

 

Thank you, Daddy, for sharing your TCU spirit with me.

 

 

Thank you, Daddy, for taking me to music class.

 

 

Thank you, Daddy, for laughing with me.

 

 

Thank you, Daddy, for taking me to my first Ranger’s Game.

 

 

Thank you, Daddy, for teaching me to love animals.

 

 

Thank you, Daddy, for wearing my Halloween costume.

 

 

Thank you, Daddy, for eating my Halloween candy.

 

 

Thank you, Daddy, for drumming on pumpkins with me.

 

 

Thank you, Daddy, for playing nosie with me.

 

 

Thank you, Daddy, for buying healthy foods for me.

 

 

Thank you, Daddy, for spending time outdoors with me.

 

 

Thank you, Daddy, for rough housing with me.

 

 

Thank you, Daddy, for all of the kisses.

 

 

Thank you, Daddy, for experiencing new sights and sounds with me.

 

 

Thank you, Daddy, for getting dressed up with me.

 

 

Thank you, Daddy, for reading me stories.

 

 

Thank you, Daddy, for letting me pick bluebonnets.

 

 

Thank you, Daddy, for creating backyard adventures.

 

 

Thank you, Daddy, for playing on the floor with me.

 

 

Thank you, Daddy, for the dress up clothes.

 

 

Thank you, Daddy, for building me a table with an exploration bin.

 

 

Thank you, Daddy, for teaching me to love nature.

 

 

Thank you, Daddy, for being my buddy.

 

 

Thank you, Daddy, for holding my hand.

 

Thank you, Daddy, for loving me.

I love you more than you can ever imagine.

Happy Father’s Day 2012.

Love,

Clara

Swimming in the pool, playing in the park, watching animals at the zoo, riding roller coasters, jumping on a trampoline, and discovering new sights, sounds, and smells are all magical when you’re a child. I remember feeling excitement and anticipation at the thought of these activities as a kid.

We took Clara on her first train ride this weekend. When the three of us do things together as a family, I feel like a kid again with so much happiness and pure joy in the moment.

It was a cold, breezy, but sunny Sunday afternoon in February. While passengers were boarding the Forest Park Miniature Railroad, Clara held my hand as we walked from the engine to the caboose waving to people in the train cars. “All aboard!” said the conductor as we hopped on next to Daddy, squished together to stay warm and cozy in one seat.

As we started to move, I noticed the wonder on her face as we began this new adventure. The cold wind from the Trinity blew on our faces as families on bicycles rode by. “Look!” I would say. “A bicycle!…a doggie!.. ducks!…a waterfall!…a bridge!…a park!”. Who knew all of these things could be so exciting? Mommy and daddy were just as thrilled as she was to point out the sites that passed by. And to top it off, passerby’s waved with big smiles, bringing such joy to the present moment.

Just when things couldn’t get any better, the train stopped for a popcorn break. She was too busy watching the sites to see us “sharing” the popcorn until the very end when I gave her a few small pieces of salty goodness. As the train curved around the bend to go back to the depot, we could finally see the rest of the train and wave to the other passengers. “Choo Choo! Choo Choo!” She’s heard that sound before in songs and books, but now she can associate them with the real thing!

I am so thankful to share these special moments as a family and to experience life as a kid again.