I’m thankful for the Dads in my life. My own, my stepdad, my father-in-law and the fathers of the people my children married or are marrying. My Dad has a great sense of humor and an obsession with birds. My son recently said that sometimes it’s scary how many birds he can identify from all of his walks with Grandpa when he was young. He taught all of my kids how to fish and to appreciate nature. He taught me: “you get what life hands you”, “work for what you want”, and “to appreciate the good and tough out the bad”. My father-in-law demonstrated to Jeff how you always put family first and to stand up for your beliefs. Arie shared his love of cars with Jeff and that placed Jeff on the path to doing something he loves every day. My stepdad has been a part of my life and my children’s for many years and continues to be an important part of our lives. My children are either married or will soon be married. They are all fortunate to be marrying people who have excellent examples of what a good husband and father looks like. These men all became important people in my children’s lives as they joined their families. I am thankful beyond belief for these fathers because I now share my children with them and will someday share grandchildren with them. Being a Dad isn’t easy. Dad’s aren’t perfect and don’t get the job because they have experience. Jeff and I had three children in three and a half years. I may have occasionally handed him a screaming child and said, “Here. This is yours,” then went and ate chocolate that I purchased for just such a moment. He has taught our children how to enjoy life and be in the moment, and also how to be a great friend to those you love. He taught them how to use the grill, which for men, seems to be important. It may be a Hallmark holiday but it gives us the opportunity to purchase a card or say thanks. Take advantage of the opportunity. Now that our kids are older and buy their own cards, I know Jeff is going to appreciate the card our two cats got him.