When I was pregnant with my first child, my dad called as I was driving home from the store one day. He was about to publish his first book and told me he was going to write another book about faith and family. I was excited for him and couldn’t wait to read it because I knew how amazing it would be for people to hear from him on this topic.
“Of course, my ideal person to work with would be you,” he said. “But I couldn’t ask you to do that.”
I was shocked that he thought of me as the first person to take on this project with him. My mind raced ahead to three months in the future, when I was due to give birth to my first baby. I was pregnant for the first time in my life and had no idea what it would be like to give birth, experience postpartum, or take care of an infant. I was hesitant, but said I would talk it over with my husband.
When I brought it up to Henry, he said, “Let’s do it!” Once again, I was shocked, even though I should have known that he would support me. He expertly took on the role of encouraging me in my endeavors from the moment we started dating. At the time, however, I was certain this was not a good idea. But he told me we would “figure it out” so that I could work on this dream writing project with my dad, my hero. So, we decided to do it.
Learning From My Father While Becoming a Parent
A few months later, shortly after we had our first meeting, I gave birth to my daughter, Etta Rose. When we picked our project up again a few weeks later, I listened to my dad tell me stories about his upbringing and mine. I took copious notes while Etta slept in a wrap on my chest or beside me on the floor.
I had no idea how perfectly suited I would be for this project as I entered motherhood. Not only was I listening to my dad tell stories about our family’s life as we worked together, but I was also hearing the values with which he and my mom intentionally raised us.
As a new mom, I have even more admiration for my dad than I did before I had children of my own. My dad always put his family and faith above his career. I never questioned where my mom, my siblings, and I ranked in his life. He was intent on following his dreams, but he didn’t want to do it if it meant leaving us behind. He wanted to take us with him – and he did. As a newlywed, I was anxious about having children and what it would mean for my career and life. I was nervous about how it could change everything. However, my amazing parents showed me that I can bring my family with me as I chase my dreams, and I should prioritize them over personal aspirations I might have.
His Legacy, My Example
Throughout my childhood, my dad put his family first without knowing what the result would be. He didn’t know how everything would turn out, and I think that is the most inspirational part. Looking back now, it may be easy to say that it all worked out for him, and he accomplished career goals that he never imagined possible. But it might not have turned out that way. Even if it hadn’t, I know he would never have regretted any of the times that he chose his family over a career opportunity that few others would have turned down.
On Father’s Day, I appreciate all that my dad was to me when I was growing up and all that he still is to me today. I continue to be inspired by his example, and I’m amazed at how blessed I am to have him as my dad – and how blessed my children are to have him as their grandfather.
