I'm blessed beyond measure by the men in my life that played a role in raising me. Or, who have taught me these insane life lessons.
My grand-fathers, were hard working dedicated husbands who loved their wives and their families. Both were strong-willed and neither were cream-puffs. They gave NO craps about what the world had to say. They both left their homeland, their homes, their friends, their memories, their businesses, because they knew that it was the best decision for their families. On my grandfather's backs, my family stands. They weren't just these work-horses either, they were funny!!! They both, in their own ways, enjoyed life! They didn't know it at the time, but they taught me to always seek to have balance. Work, family, fun... BALANCE. I owe them everything.
The other men were my uncles, my tios. My dad has 1 brother, my mom has 1 brother, but then as I grew older we added some Tios into the mix. Namely, 2 more. My dad's brother, was probably my favorite when I was really young, like around 6 or 7. I always thought he was so funny. My mom's brother is a bad ass. I appreciate the sacrifices he's made for his family and have a profound respect for him. He's the perfect balance of work, love, fun and silliness. Everything a Tio should be. My 2 other uncles were the perfect addition to our family. One, has a wealth of knowledge: He's well-traveled, educated and has seen LIFE. I enjoy conversations with him now, more so than when I was a child. I was always intimidated by him, but not anymore, I appreciate his stories and the history he's lived. My other uncle is amazing! He was the FUN uncle. The one with a corvette, the youngest, the one that would take me to cool places and allow me to feel like a grown-up. These men all taught me to not take myself so darn seriously. They didn't know it at the time but they all, in their own way, gave me permission to forever nurture the kid in me. To never forget to be a little girl. I can never thank them enough.
The next men didn't come into my life until I was older. My brothers. My big brother married my sister when I was 17 years-old. He drives her nuts, he gave me my nephew which I love a ton! He's had my back, when he didn't have to, like a big-brother should. My little brother came into my life when I was 9 years-old. He's awesome! Time and life gets in the way with siblings once you're all adults. But even from a distance I see how much he loves his wife and my two GORGEOUS nephews and I'm beyond proud of him. My little brother was also a huge part of my teenage years. He made them better. He'd probably argue I might of made his childhood worse, but ... he's not writing the blog! My brothers taught me lessons in loyalty, forgiveness, and once in a while just saying, "fuck it" and taking a leap. My funniest/ most embarrassing moments of my life occurred with my brothers, and for those never-ending laughs, I'm beyond grateful.
The other guy. Literally. So I was married to this guy for 17 years. He and I had the 3 most amazing human beings on the planet. He taught me the most difficult lesson I never wanted to learn, to forgive the unforgivable. To man-up. To be a mom, first and foremost. He will forever be connected to me because of our 3 children and regardless of past hurts, that's what's best for them. So to him, who will never read this, thank you. Thank you for teaching me that in the scales of life, to really achieve a balance, we need pain, hurt, discomfort. We need that in order to really appreciate the healing and peace. Those 17 years didn't all suck, and we got 3 bad ass kids, so thank you.
And then there's my guy. The man I met 3 years ago, been married to for 1 year, who made me a stepmom. He actually signed up to love me and my 3 kids... no holds barred. He gives us his time, energy, love this saint-like patience, he continues to teach me about stewardship, scripture and unconditional love. All the while, he never expects anything in return. He's teaching me a love unlike anything I've ever experienced. He's helped me grow and mature in a way that doesn't scare the ever-loving crap out of me. I'm genuinely excited for whatever the future holds as long as he's with me. He's teaching me what a godly marriage is and for that I owe him more than words can sufficiently explain. He's helped me understand Christ's love as a groom, and in-turn widened and depend my faith in who Christ is. He makes me a better woman, daily.
Finally, last but not least, my dad. The intricate peace to the puzzle of who I am. My Papi is amazing, guys. He's one of my favorite people on this planet. He's one of my heroes, someone I look up to, someone I respect, someone that can drive me nuts, someone that I love just hanging out with. He's funny, he's smart, he's a bit of a jerk and the most important thing you'll ever need to know about him is that he loves my mom! His love for her made him a better man and me and my siblings reaped the benefits of that. Papi, thank you! You taught me the love of God the Father, this unconditional, insane, intense love of a dad that would do anything for his bride and their children. You're a great dad, but you're an even better grandfather. You give us all advice we don't ask for, teach us to dance (even though you're rhythmless) but for all of that... THANK YOU! Papi, to you I owe the most. When I broke, you were there. When I hurt, you were there. When I succeeded, when I failed, you were there. You've always been there and I can never tell you enough how much you mean to me and to my kids. You didn't know it at the time but because of you, through you, I was pointed to Christ and that has FOREVER changed me.
God is good. These men I mention above all played a role in my development. In figuring out another part of me, but HE didn't/hasn't stopped, thankfully.
To all the men out there, Father's, Grandfathers, Stepdads, Uncles, Brothers... Happy Father's Day guys! You may not be told this by society but your job is REALLY important and when you fulfill your purpose in this department, you really can change the world.