Growing up, it was only me and my mom. My parents divorced when I was little and I didn’t see my father much. I’ve seen him once in my adult life and truth be told, the encounter was super awkward since he was basically a stranger to me.
There were no daddy/daughter dances when I was little. No homemade Father’s Day cards or gifts. It was just an uncelebrated holiday. As I got older, my mother remarried when I was in college and moved after I graduated, so I don’t really even know my stepdad that well.
My mom (and stepdad) both walked me down the aisle when I got married. Had it been my preference, it would have just been my mother. She’d been there through it all, raising me practically by herself. (It’s no surprise I’m turning into her as a mother.)
She always did her best with just the two of us figuring out life. I couldn’t have asked for more and I truly appreciate all that she has done for me more than she will possibly ever know.
My daughter has always been and still is a daddy’s girl. I always wonder what that would be like. I’m probably more jealous than resentful.
When Father’s Day comes around each year, I wish a Happy Father’s Day to my husband (the father of my three wonderful kids), my father-in-law, my stepdad, and all the dads that I know, but I still can’t relate to all those who wish their fathers a Happy Father’s Day. Even typing the word out looks strange to me, like it’s a misspelled word.
So this year and every year, Happy Father’s Day to my mom and all of the other mothers out there who take on both roles for whatever reason. We are so thankful for you.