One Stop Boy Shop

I used to have a really hard time “celebrating” or even recognizing Father’s Day. The other day I told you about my “Daddy“. My birth father and a man that I loved deeply. He left big shoes to fill, too big for any mortal man BUT…. there’s a big BUT (and it’s not my BUTT).

My mom met and married a saint 22 years ago. Saint Jim. He’s my step father but I’m proud to honor him on Fathers Day. He never has tried to replace my “Daddy” but he has become in every way shape and form a Father to me. He’s a kind and loving man who treats me like his own flesh and blood. He goes above and beyond to keep me a part of his life and his family. He helps me, loves me and will tell me when I’m being a “dumb shit”… lol   His sense of humor and his one liners make me laugh so hard my stomach hurts. He’ll tell my boys (who call him “Gampa”) to “Come over here so I can unscrew your belly button so your butt will fall off”. He’s hilarious.

I often refer to him as “my Dad” although I do still call him Jim. I’ll say “look at these beautiful bookcases that my Dad built for me!”.  He’s also the handy man who makes these items for me for One Stop Boy Shop:

He’s always there for me, my husband and my children and has embraced us and made us all feel loved.  There’s nothing “step” about him, he’s earned the title of “Father”.  I’ve been very fortunate in my life to be blessed with the love of a Daddy and a Father.

My father-in-law:

There is yet another Father-figure and wonderful man in my life that I’d like to honor on Fathers Day.  He’s my father-in-law Jimmy.  To my boys, he’s Papa.  He’s a very quiet, thoughtful man but when you speak with him you learn amazing things.  He has worked his way up to provide a better life for himself and his children.  I don’t know of anyone with more loyalty and exceptional work ethics than Jimmy.  The lessons and manners that he passed onto his boys are remarkable, he was a wonderful role model to his boys and now to his grandchildren.   We can always count on him.  He’s there to lend a helping hand and provides my boys with great big Papa hugs.  I often describe him as a man who would give the shirt off of his back if it would help someone.  I couldn’t ask for a better “Papa” for my children or for a better father-in-law.

So although I am saddened to know that my children will never know my Daddy, they’re growing up with the love and guidance of two wonderful, devoted grandfathers and for that I am grateful.

Lastly but certainly not the least, there is my husband.  I didn’t recognize it at the time of our marriage but I married a man a lot like my Daddy!  He’s tall, dark and handsome (ok, maybe not so dark since his dark hair has turned to gray and he’s losing it,,, shhhhhh).  And he can sing (but not dance… oh no… not the dancing), is very polite and very hard working.  He adores his children and is a very hands-on father.  He’s kind, extremely intelligent and loving.  He’s very active with his boys and makes sure that each one knows that they’re special.

To all the “Fathers” in my life, I wish you all a very Happy Father’s Day.  Please know that you are loved and appreciated!