Tall young man, deep voice, Father's Day

My son returned last night from Florida. The bus arrived at 8 pm and 55 tired teenagers stepped off. The adults did not look too peppy either. As I am standing there waiting for my son to step off I realize that I am so anxious just to see his face. My daughter is standing beside me, with her sun-speckled hair and hazel blinking eyes and we finally decide he must be the last one to get off. As he steps down I am drawn to his eyes and smile. I am so thankful they are all safe and home. I am thankful for wonderful leaders who love young people enough to sacrifice and chaparone. I decided that he grew while gone. He seems taller and he is darker. I race over for a hug and kiss. He feels so grown as I reach up to wrap my arms around his neck. This is the package I came to claim. My son. Our son. When I met my husband 22 years ago this August, I did not think about babies, children, summer camps, cheerleading outfits. I just knew there was a chemistry between our eyes when they met for the first time.I just knew I had never felt this before. I just knew I had to find out about this spark. Now, after 15 Father's Day, I know my life would have never been complete without marrying this man. I look at our children and know that many of the strenghts they possess is because of his confidence. I know our children will love and live life with spices sprinkled from their father and his zest to live. They know passion, doing something with all their ability, and laying down cowardness. They know the fire of learning from asking questions and reading. Loving History and facts. Reaching deep inside to pull from whatever is left to make it through hard times. Learning never to quit and always stay in the game. My children know love because they have seen the moistness in his eyes when the admiration for them is too strong. They have heard his voice break when the words are too dear. They will hear his loud, strong whistle, over the roar of the crowd. Their eyes will search to find the man with the whistle, the deep, thunderous voice, the larger than life man, the man who they call their dad. Happy Father's Day. Happiness to me day.