I’m not writing today as I continue to recover from this God-awful illness I’ve been battling this week.  Tomorrow is my Father-In-Law Woody’s birthday.  Greyson asked for the platform of Somebody’s Parents to give him a present.  I welcome a guest blogger!  Here is the writing of my husband.  Enjoy, and Happy Birthday, Woody!  

What do you get the man who has everything for his birthday?

You hijack your wife’s blog and pay homage to the man.  Actually I don’t know anyone who does that, but I’m doing it today.

Without question, one of the things I cherish most is my relationship with my father.  We’ve always had a great relationship, full of humor, advice, deep conversations, and a copious amount of sports.

My father was the best man at my wedding.  When I asked him to be my best man, it caught him off guard….and brought him to tears.  For me, there was never a doubt who I wanted standing next to me as my bride walked down the aisle.  I pictured that moment well before I ever met Amy.

Like I said, we’ve always been close and enjoy a great friendship.  But having little Charlotte has uncovered a new aspect to my relationship with my dad….understanding.

My dad, by any measure, was a wildly successful lawyer.  While he was blessed with immense talent and intellect, his success is really attributed to his drive and passion for hard work.

Most nights did include my dad, briefcase open in front of him, focused on his work.

Don’t get me wrong, my sisters and I were never neglected.  Dad coached my hockey teams, spent hours upon hours helping me with my homework, and was a master of imparting wisdom at just the right times.

But, there was also a lot of work to be done.  Occasionally small talk, or watching the big game, might capture only half of his attention while he plowed through paperwork.

At times it was hard to fully understand why the work was important.  Of course, I knew the money he earned made our lives possible.  But did he really care more about work than spending every possible minute with his kids?

With Charlotte in my life….now, I understand.  As primal as it might sound, I am finding that the desire to provide for my family is the most powerful motivator of all.

I have attacked work with a renewed sense of passion.  It’s easy, when all I have to do is look at the framed pictures on my desk of my wife and child.  I want to make sure that sweet little girl has all of the things I was lucky to have growing up….great family vacations, summer camp, and most of all, a fully paid education.

I work extra hours without any resentment, but rather with a heightened purpose.  We’re looking at new houses, in neighborhoods with great schools, and while it has been an exhausting process, I already feel so fulfilled knowing my hard work is making that possible.  My hard work will allow us to grow our family.  My hard work will allow my kids to follow their dreams, knowing there is a safety I’ve placed underneath them.  My hard work will afford Charlotte the chance to fulfill her potential, and develop into a strong, wise, and sensitive young woman.

My hard work is making me a lot like my dad.