Saturday, June 19, 2010

Super Heros

Awhile ago, I overheard a group of little kids talking at the boys' school. "My dad is SO much stronger than your dad!" said one child. "No, my dad can beat up your dad!" responded the other. The arguing went back and forth as I walked past. I thought about how interesting it was that some things stayed the same throughout generations. When I was a kid growing up, I distinctly remember the same argument in my own childhood classroom. I was entirely confident as a little girl in my Dad's "mighty" abilities. To me, he was the fastest, strongest, and most amazing man in the whole wide world.

My Dad and me water-skiing when I was a teenager


I wanted to marry him and was frustrated when my Mom tried to gently explain that I wouldn't be able to. I simply thought my Dad was so cool, a super hero.



He raced dragsters, jumped motorcycles, rode wheelies, and could fix anything.

He helped me design award winning projects, gently corrected me when I needed it, and let me drive his super cool cars when I was a teenager.

He bought me surprises randomly, and he gave me flowers, along with my mom, every single Valentine's Day that I can remember.






Why do a lot of children see their Dad as a superhero? (Or if not their Dad, some other figure in life becomes a hero at some point) We are designed to need a leader, a guide, a protector, someone we look to in awe, someone who amazes us every second! As aspiring little humans in a great big world, the fuel we use for potential success is the admiration of the ones we respect, love, and elevate. These heroes put wind in our sails and renew fresh hope with each day to reach our dreams. Having heroes is healthy for all of us.

My dad and me on my wedding day

And now as an adult, my husband is a superhero to our own boys! I see their little eyes light up when they watch their Dad jump high or win an arm wrestling contest. Chris' actions are being studied every second by his sons. Everyday when he takes his coffee and leaves for work he is setting an example of how to be a dependable provider. Every word he speaks to me is setting a standard to our boys on how to speak to women. I am so proud (and excited!!) of the incredible father Chris is. He is a true hero for them.

Father's Day Sunday 2010,
Chris and his boys

And my personal responsibility as a mom is to raise little heroes, little boys who will be great men, who will take the responsibility of fatherhood seriously. I make a lot of mistakes but my heart tries! Because having a superhero Dad is one of life's most beautiful gifts. And as moms, we have the opportunity to influence tomorrow's next hero.

Happy Father's Day.

This post is linked to Inspired By, Lovin It, Spotlight Yourself, Tip Junkie Show and Tell

13 comments:

caveman said...

You are a sweetheart! I happen to know your dad and he is a man worthy of much admiration. As a daddy one, of my biggest challenges is knowing when to push and when to back down; When to bask in our sons perceived awesomeness and when to make sure they see I'm human. Your dad has always done these things perfectly. I'm grateful for the example he is to me and our sons and for the love he shows all five of us.

The Taffs said...

Such a sweet post!

Kelly Miller said...

I love this idea. I often tell people that I'm raising my son to be a good citizen of the planet. I should add to that a hero to his family -- they go hand in hand, but this deserves a special statement. My father was not a hero to his family, but my husband is and I love watching how he's guiding our children to be heroes, too.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

What a lovely tribute from a lovely lady! Enjoyed every word!

XO,

Sheila :-)

Tootsie said...

hey girlie...you are gorgeous in your wedding gown!!! You hit the nail on the head with this post...my dad was my hero too...
great post...and I have missed you too...life is very busy for me lately...and then there's the stress and the drama that is on top of all of the regular stuff...so visiting has been put to the back burner for a bit!

Holly Lefevre said...

Amazing post! Your dad sounds awesome (and a little like mine). What a lucky lady you are to have him as a role model and your kids are lucky to have your husband. I think too many people overlook how truly important Dads (or a strong male role model) is in a kids life.

LOVE the water skiing pic! I just water skiied for the first time in about 15 years and I didn't realize how much I missed it.

Lovin' your blog..new follower!

Becca said...

Lisa! I LOVED this post! You are amazing and always have your priorities right.

You had every reason to be confident in how strong and amazing your Dad was/is. I remember the time I went to the lake with your family and he water skiied barefoot!! I also remember him being super patient with me, because I couldn't get up!

Love you and your amazing example!

Anonymous said...

such a sweet post! love the pictures of you and your dad. too cute! have you always known your dad to have a mustache?

Beth said...

Such a great tribute to fathers everywhere! You are a lucky woman indeed!

Judy@cutest-little-things.blogspot.com said...

Very sweet post!

Judy

Donene said...

What a nice tribute to your Dad!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

I didn't have my own...so to see the hubs be a superhero dad to our lil' dude is beautiful!

Rebecca said...

What a sweet post! I love that my kids think so highly of daddy :) And i make sure they do! Im always saying things like "Yep, daddy IS stronger than Buzz Lightyear".