From the moment your official title changed, I’ve written to you in reflection on Father’s Day. And each year, I feel like I get more and more speechless as to how I can properly address how much you mean to me…how much you mean to Eli. And when I think I’m getting close to finding new words with a better, deeper meaning based on our experiences, I find that I can no longer type because the tears fall too fast. And though Eli might be the only child of ours who’s ever gotten to physically experience what an utterly amazing Father you are, please know that you are our e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g.

And so, I’ll write to you in photos. Just like I have each year you’ve been a Father. And more so than ever before, I truly believe that if you’re still and if you’re quiet…you can hear my heart beat. You can hear Eli’s laughter. You can hear mine. And you can hear deep breaths of gratitude from me for how wholly present, gentle, and steadfast you are with our son. With us.

Thank you for being such a rock, a provider, and a fierce protector of our family. Thank you for putting us first before anything else. Thank you for your never-ending witty humor, and for making us smile not just in our joys, but even through the fire or the deep and scary valleys we sometimes find ourselves in. Thank you for catching our tears, causing our smiles, holding our hands, and earning our love, albeit unnecessarily, every single day.

If you weren’t already ours, we’d choose you. You’re our forever hero, J. We love you endlessly. Happy Father’s Day, my Love.

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