Sunday, June 15, 2008

Father's Day Was Awesome

Stella, taking a nap on Dad. Father's Day.

This probably won't be as long as my entries usually are, but I just have to say how happy I am. My first Father's Day was wonderful.

It started with me waking up early, and working on this blog. Maybe that's dorky, but it makes me feel productive.

Then, I went back to bed, and slept with Randi, and, eventually Stella. We bought a new swaddling blanket for her, and now she sleeps like an angel. Colic solved! If only we knew this two months ago!

Randi then woke up and made me the greatest breakfast of all time: biscuits with sausage gravy, and sausage. The gravy was absolutely divine. Randi knows the recipe from heart, and saw both her mother and grandmother make it. I tell you, you would die for it.

Randi also bought me a shirt, and it looks awesome.

I am grateful for my wife and marriage anyway, but these two things really drove those feelings home, once again. I am thankful.

After that we waited out the rain and drove to New Jersey to celebrate the 30th birthday of one of my best friends, Alex Greenberg. The trip out there was kind of nightmarish, thanks to Mapquest, but we eventually made it, safe and sound.

On the way out we saw a horrible accident. It drove home to me, if I ever needed anything to, how fortunate I am to be a father, and how much I love my little girl. Stella is the best thing that's ever happened to me, and I hope to always be worthy of her love and trust. It's a big task, and none of us are perfect, but she deserves that and so much more. She is truly a gift we received, and it is our job to love her. It's the best job of all time.

At the party Stella gave me a true Father's Day gift. She took a nap while I held her. She doesn't do this often, and it made me feel so good.

Alex's party was great, with lots of food, and great company. His brothers and their wives made us feel so welcome and it was a relief to be among so many other parents. Alex's girlfriend Elisabeth is a charming, wonderful woman and I am so happy to see them together.

I've known Alex since he was 12 years old, and I was 19. I was a summer camp counselor for a New Jersey "Y" camp, and he was a camper. Even then he was a confident, and self-possessed young guy. And I've seen him grow into adulthood these past few years. It's been extremely gratifying. At 30 we are a lot of things, but we're not kids anymore. I know he will handle this new stage with grace.

Then it was time to leave. We had an easy trip back into New York, as Alex navigated while Elisabeth sat in the back with Randi. I think she likes Stella.

After that the ride home was relatively easy. Once home we had a light dinner, and I just watched the Celtics lose and I played guitar and drank a beer. I was rooting for the C's, but I'm not a passionate fan, so really having the beer and the guitar more than made up for it. It was a relaxing, cool, cap to a busy day.

Randi also paid special attention to me all day, and when we got home.

I am lucky to have so much love in my life. I love my wife and love my daughter dearly, and they love me. I love my family, and received Father's Day calls from my brother, mother and sister.

I am also grateful for how special my wife made this day. Also, I think we both realize how dear this little life is, and we look forward to watching Stella's every step.

I hope you all had days that were at least as good.

2 comments:

Lauren said...

Our Father's Day was pretty good, but there were no biscuits with sausage gravy. Oooh, I'm literally salivating just thinking about them.

You're a lucky guy, Dave! (And not just because your wife's an awesome cook.) :)

David Serchuk said...

Hey Lauren,
Yeah, you would've loved that breakfast. I mean, c'mon, home made biscuits and gravy? It was insane. I'm glad you guys had a good Dad's Day. It's a Hallmark holiday, but I'll take it.

Dave