I am contemplating fathers on this quiet afternoon.

My own, with his smarts, drive and ambition, had very little time for hanging out.  Moments alone with him were precious and few, treasured.  He had the ability to impart gentle wisdom and great affection and had a fun, silly streak.  On the rare occasion he stepped foot in a grocery store, you wanted to be there because Cocoa Puffs.  It’s always nice when a parent has a secret sweet tooth.  Christmas excited him as much as me.  One year we made a manger scene in our basement with my baby doll as Jesus.  It was magical.  When he was happy, it was contagious.  I remember being referred to as “Daddy’s Girl” more than once, and I did relish his attention.  And I will never forget the day he told me I didn’t have to take piano lessons anymore or eat tomatoes.  He may as well have been wearing a cape.  And the day he dropped what he was doing to take me to the hospital and save my life, no questions asked.

If my father-in-law were still alive, he would be my ex-father-in-law now.  He was a quiet guy, deep, brilliant, funny, completely focused on doing his own thing.  He showed me science and sparked an interest in the natural world that has never left.  He showed interest in who I am and we had many conversations.  In-law relationships are never uncomplicated and ours was no exception, but I still feel his loss.  I am sorry that he is not around to be a grandfather to my kids, who adored him.  He took them fishing, taught them to shoot BB guns and bows and arrows.  I am grateful for the time we had with him.

My kids’ dad loves them with all his heart.  He has been there for them every single day of their lives.   Their ability to think deeply, dissect a plot line and make connections that are not obvious is all him.  By the time they were halfway through elementary school, they could predict the end of any film, 15 minutes in.  His superior culinary skills have gotten me out of kitchen duty a million times, a gift for which I am truly grateful even if it means they look askance at my meals.  And they have his social ease, charm and humor.  For all of our shortcomings, we made some spectacular humans.

Now, I observe my husband’s relationship with his own children and his growing relationship with mine.  His kids are confident young adults who have never had to wonder if they will be able to afford food or college, have never been expected to shoulder their parents’ emotional struggles as my own have had to do.  If it is true that hurt people hurt people, then encouraged people encourage people.  They just know how. I sat on the sidelines recently while he and my son took shots on goal with the soccer ball, and he simultaneously instructed, teased, and encouraged in the most fascinating way.  I had never witnessed such a thing before and was overwhelmed. It is a powerful thing to see a man engaged with a child that way.   My kids get to see their mother happy and secure.  They get to see how it can be.

The influence of any man who is part of a child’s life cannot be overestimated.  They are a bridge to the world, an example of how to be in it, a protector, a teacher, a safety net.  You don’t have to be perfect, but present and engaged.  It matters so much.