Celebrating Fathers

Happy Father’s Day to all dads today! My own dad has played a huge role in shaping my life. His work took us around the world, but it was his road trips and evenings spent reading aloud that taught me about that world. His job meant that he met many world leaders, but he taught me that even the greatest leader is only human and the true heart of a country is in its everyday people. He read us Tolkien or C.S. Lewis one night and told stories of his childhood growing up as the son of a corn farmer in a small town the next. He made up silly nonsensical stories about how he came to be bald, as well as how he “found” his ten children. He still writes beautiful poetry. He learned to speak six different languages, sometimes because the job required it but always because he wanted to be able to communicate with the people of the country we were living in. He taught me to give a gift without worrying about what was done with the gift – once given, the recipient could use it however they pleased. It was the giving that mattered. He loves history, and learning about the different cultures and traditions around the world. He appreciates storytelling, and tells about his own growing up years with a magic that draws the reader into his small 1950s childhood town.

And now I see Mike shaping my children’s lives. Teaching them to love aviation – a tradition in his family for four generations now. Sharing his love of scientific exploration, and always pushing them to think more, questions more. Mike makes a walk to the neighborhood park into a magical adventure. He takes apart electronics with the kids, draws, with them, and tells them bedtime stories. They discover funny videos on YouTube together. He is shaping their lives just as my dad shaped mine, and I love watching and being part of the process!

Note: I made the card using HP’s free photo creations software and printed it at home on my HP Envy 5530 (affiliate link) that I was sent as part of the HP Smart Moms panel. I hadn’t realized that it was possible to print professional quality cards like this at home!

MaryAnne Kochenderfer

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MaryAnne is a craft loving educator, musician, photographer, and writer who lives in Silicon Valley with her husband Mike and their four children.