the best of the best

How do you pay tribute to someone so great?

I sometimes wonder how I ended up married to such a man as Ryan: tall, strong, capable, wise, kind, humble, compassionate, generous, loyal, steadfast, persevering, reliable, funny, faithful, trustworthy, resourceful, athletic, creative, intelligent, opinionated in all the things that matter, and incredibly handsome.

And then I look at my kids – Levi and my ever-growing bump – and I realize that part of the reason that I “deserve” such a man is because of these little treasures I call my children. Even if I didn’t “deserve” him… they do.

What an incredible father he is to them. I simply couldn’t ask for better: one who changes diapers, builds sandpits, brushes tiny teeth, kisses owies tenderly, prays earnestly, cooks chicken nuggets with joy, dances unreservedly, rocks and hushes in the night, disciplines with wisdom, teaches with patience, wipes grubby faces and fingers with care, chases and tickles and wrestles, cuddles with sweetness and affection, and sings lullabies gently and wholeheartedly.

He’s the kind of dad every kid deserves.

He’s the kind of dad that the world needs to hold our children when they’re in pain, cheer for them when they’re behind, say “well done” when they’ve tried their best, and proclaim “I love you” to them often and for no reason other than the fact that they are precious and valuable.

Happy Fathers Day to the best of the best:

I love you with all my heart Ryan, and it’s so clear that your kids do too.

Dear friends, it’s Australian Fathers Day today and I couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate the incredible dad that Ryan is. What do you think is the most important character trait in a father?

grateful,

 

 

 

About Author

Adriel Booker is an author, speaker, and advocate based in Sydney, Australia who believes storytelling, beauty, and the grace of God will change the world. Adriel has become a trusted voice in areas of motherhood and parenting, Christian spirituality, and global women's issues. She's also known for her work with the Love A Mama Collective—serving under-resourced women in developing nations through safe birth initiatives—as well as her years spent as a Bible teacher and leadership coach. Her latest book is Grace Like Scarlett: Grieving with Hope after Miscarriage and Loss and she's made the companion grief journal available for free. Find Adriel across all social media platforms at @adrielbooker or sign up for LoveNotes, Adriel's 'secret posts' that aren't published anywhere else online. ✌️

8 Comments

  • Micheline
    5 September 2011 at 2:18 am

    Happy Father’s Day to Ryan! I loved watching the video of those two on Facebook. They are incredibly sweet together.

    Reply
  • Kim
    5 September 2011 at 8:02 am

    Oh that photo of your little ones giving such a big kiss to his daddy is so incredibly sweet! Those little kisses and hugs and cuddles from our babies melt my heart. I hope you are all enjoying this special day! Your question made me pause and think, because there are so many amazing father traits of my husband’s that I admire and love, but to narrow it down is hard. So I think I would just have to sum them all up and say the most important trait a father can have is love, the expression of it for his children in every shape, way, and form!

    Reply
    • Adriel @ The Mommyhood Memos
      11 September 2011 at 5:45 am

      Yes, it seems so cliche to “just” say love… but you are right. Real and genuine love will cover all the bases. 🙂 I wholeheartedly agree.

      Reply
  • Anna
    6 September 2011 at 1:17 pm

    That is so sweet! Happy Australian Father’s Day to Ryan! Kids definitely flourish when they have a hands-on dad! You and your kids are blessed! :o)

    Reply
  • Nessa
    7 September 2011 at 1:32 am

    Happy fathers day!! What a beautiful tribute to your husband.

    Reply
  • Amy Sullivan
    10 September 2011 at 1:33 pm

    Sweet, sweet. Btw, love your little pregnant pic in the last post. Now, if only I looked like that pregnant! Beautiful. Hope all is well with you.

    Reply
  • Carol
    15 September 2011 at 3:39 am

    What a gift he is to you and your children! I’m glad you explained about Aussie Father’s Day…for a split second I thought “I missed Father’s Day this year!”

    Reply

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