Hey, did you know there was this holiday, it sort of is a big deal in June. It is called Father’s Day. Well, in the midst of our family move, my office move, being away from home practically every weekend, I somehow “overlooked” the significance of it. And for that I am sorry.

To Jackson’s daddy– thank you does not seem adequate enough to describe how I feel about you being Jackson’s dad. Thank you for simply being there for him day in and day out. The way you always find “teaching moments” makes my heart smile. Your love, dedication, devotion and patience do not go unnoticed, maybe unspoken but never unnoticed. Thank you for “giving up” your career to allow us to focus on being a family focused on each other and not stuff of this world. Thank you for putting mine and Jackson’s needs, wants, and wishes before your own. Thank you for getting up in the middle of the night, waking up early, going to bed late, and the countless days, weeks, hours you spend with Jackson while I am at work. You truly are an amazing dad. I know it is hard to hear and I know it is hard to compare, but I know your dad would be proud of the man you’ve become and the dad that you are. Be proud of that.

To DuWayne- Thank you for being there for me even when you didn’t have to be. We joked when you were in the hospital that we couldn’t for the life of us figure out why you stayed all these years. We all agreed that we would have ran as fast as we could the other way but for some reason you stayed. So thank you for that. We needed you, I needed you. Thank you for the countless years of putting up with my attitude– maybe even now! But also thank you for being such a great grandpa to Jackson. He just lights up when you play with him or gets to sit on your lap. Here is to another year– and hopefully another 5k soon!!!

To Tom-  Thank you for stepping in when the boys needed you most. I can’t imagine what it is like walking into raising kids at that age but you managed to pull it together and they turned out amazing. I could not be more proud to call JJ my husband and Jon my brother and neither would be the people they are without you. But more so, thank you for loving Jackson from day one. I know you questioned our decisions and were scared we would get hurt (which we did at one point) but he worships the world you walk on. It might be because you let him have Oreos for breakfast or whatever he wants for that matter but either way, he adores you. So, thank you for being a great papa!

To Gil- Thank you for your countless hours, days, weeks, and months of advice, counseling, wisdom and friendship you have given me. There was a point in my life I didn’t think I would make it through without you. Well, actually there has been a lot of those times! I look forward to more conversations, more advice (solicited or not) and more time being back home. But– no making me laugh in inappropriate situations.

To MJ- Thank you for taking a chance on me whether it was because of my last name or not. I didn’t know it at the time but I needed someone to believe in me and it just happened to be you. Thank you for the years of endless amounts of laughing. It was exactly what my soul needed. But also, thank you for teaching me the ways of the legal world. I wouldn’t be in the position I am in without you. Thank you for being “hard” on me and having expectations. I may be partly OCD now because of it, but it certainly paid off!

To Barry- Thank you for not only being my boss (I mean co-worker) but one my biggest supporters and mentors. I have learned more from you in the last six years than I ever thought possible. Not just about work but life in general. Thank you for putting up with the early calls, the crazy texts and the bullhead in me! We both know how challenging we both can me, it takes a real special kind of crazy to put up with a special kind of crazy! I wouldn’t have it any other way.

To all those dads out there– keep doing what you are doing. Keep being present in your children’s life, it is the greatest gift you could give me. To all the men who long to be daddy’s. Your day will come and you will look back at this point in your life and be amazed at where God has taken you.

Maybe next year I won’t be a whole month behind in thanking all you men for all you have done and continue to do for me!!