Happy Mothers Day

As my blog title quite clearly states, I often feel like I am 'up Dad Creek without a paddle' and I'm sure that I'm not the only guy out there that feels that way. I'm enthusiastic, keen and involved as a parent, but meaning well and succeeding are two different things. I occassionally need guiding and steering clear of a potential car crash of a decision or action. Any good man needs an even better woman in their life and I'm thankful that I do. As my last open letter said, I am extremely grateful for all that my wonderful Wife does for me, our children and our household as a whole.

Today is Mothers Day and I wanted to take a minute to just thank ALL of the strong women in the world that seem to live ordinary lives but do extraordinary things every single day. To the women that don't expect recognition or acknowledgement but work tirelessly and passionately to build a relationship with their children. To the women that work harder than any of us do in regular jobs to enrich and nurture the lives they created. To the women that deliver their all from a place of boundless, selfless love. Without you, we are nothing. I thank and acknowledge each and every one of you, but in particular I thank...

My Wife

Thank you for being the steady hand in our relationship. Thank you for teaching and caring for our children every single day no matter how you feel, or what you have going on. Thank you for always finding a way. Thank you for being strong even when I know you don't want to be and wish your support network from home were closer by. Everything you are as a Mother and a Wife is what I strive to be as a Father and a Husband. You'll never know how loved you are by all 3 of us.

My Mother

Thank you for working tirelessly to raise 3 children, drive the only car in the house and still work a full time job. Thank you for doing all of that away from your own family that you'd left behind to raise your family in a better area. That decision wouldn't have been an easy one, but almost 20 years later it's obvious that it was the right one. Thank you for being a fierce defender of your children. Thank you for being one of the best listeners I know. There are times when every child needs their Mother, no matter how old they are and you've never been hard to find in those times.

My Grandmother

I'm so grateful that my children are able to know you and experience the love that you so proudly display. Thank you for always offering sound advice, even when it's meant an awkward conversation and avoiding the easy road. Thank you for listening. Thank you for the summers of fun growing up. Thank you for travelling up and down the country time and time again to be there for your family. Thank you for trifle. Thank you for being strong in the face of adversity. I know of noone else that is thought of in such high regard by everyone that I know to have ever met you.

My Mother In Law

Stereotypically, people don't enjoy a good relationship with their in-laws, but for me that isn't the case. I feel blessed to have a Mother in Law like the one I have. Thank you for being one of the most generous people I know. Thank you for having such a huge heart. Thank you for an infectious, positive attitude towards life. Thank you for raising your daughter to be the strong minded, caring woman that I grew to love. Thank you for travelling across the Atlantic every time we need you, without thought for your life in States. Thank you for both the open arms and heart that you have shown me from the very first time I met you.

Thank you to all of the women who have had a positive impact in the lives of my children and myself and thank you to strong women and Mothers worldwide. May none of you go unrecognised.