The Daddy Factor

I always dreamed of being like my Daddy. He has been a hero to me, plain and simple, and I looked up to him despite the teasing of him I often instigated over the years (i.e. "Talkative Tom", "The Servant Leader", the dreaded "Daddy Jokes", etc.)...

There were so many things about him that I found fascinating. I knew he wasn't perfect, but he didn't need to be. He was, in those days, quiet and serious, stern, but loving. I really had no idea what he did for a living growing up (I still don't), but in my version of reality he played some obscure computer-related mathematically magical part in space shuttle launches, rocket science and national security...surely glorified by the eyes of childhood wonderment. I just knew that I, too, would someday be just like him.

Needless to say, my goals and direction changed shape over the years and I am satisfied simply with the propulsion of fantasy rockets fueled by the endless enthusiasm and imagination of three young boys. But I have since realized that the aspirations to be like my Daddy weren't unique to me. As I see now, it is a dream that lives true in my little boys who want nothing more than to be just like their Daddy.

Daily, Jake points out that he, Hudson, and Cole will someday be "Daddies". And while Cole and Jake play "Daddy" constantly (it took me a while to get used to them calling each other "Daddy" and "Son"), Hudson takes a particular interest in anything that Heath is interested in. Each of them looks up to their Daddy like he is the coolest thing ever. There are times watching them that I see each of them talk like Heath, walk like Heath and act like Heath. Their desires are often based on how Daddy does it or what Daddy says or what Daddy wants. This "Daddy Factor" is an ever present part of our world and, while it does sometimes drive me a tad crazy, I can't help but love it! After all, he is a great, loving, Christian example for them ...

So for all you Dads out there...You may feel like just a regular boring dude going about your own business, but to your kids, your ho-hum, mundane, day-to-day drudge of reality is the ultimate fantasy!