"Daddy's Day"

"Daddy's Day"
Originally uploaded by khardingswartley

We had a great "Daddy's Day", as Langley calls it. We have lots to celebrate this year, Bill's first official Father's Day, celebrating him being a dad to Langley, a dad to the baby on the way, and celebrating Cory, Langley's "daddy in heaven". We had a great morning with cards, crowns, and a homemade necktie. Then we went to Bill's grandparents' house for brunch and spent time with Dave, Merritt, and cute little Avery. Both sets of our parents were out of town this weekend, so we sent Father's Day thoughts to them.

After brunch, the three of us went to a park that has a great water feature for kids. Langley sent a balloon up to heaven to Cory (pictures above), which was her idea. I told her in the morning that we were celebrating both of her dads today, and asked what she thought we should do to celebrate Cory. She said we should got to Red Robin and get a balloon to send up to him, so Bill went to the store and bought a big purple balloon to take to the park.

Last, but definitely not least, we joined my friend Jaqueline's family for Father's Day ribs. They are great friends, who I don't see enough. Jaqueline and Michael were a huge support to Cory and I through his cancer, and her family adopted us for holidays when we didn't have parents in town. It was so fun to let them meet and spend time with Bill, and we had a great time eating, laughing, and watching the kids play!

It was a busy day, but one filled with what Father's Day is all about: being with people you love. I am so thankful for Bill, our families, and our friends who feel like family! I am also so thankful to be married to someone who is comfortable enough in his own skin, to run out to the store to buy a balloon for Langley to send to her daddy...in the middle of celebrating his first Father's Day. I feel such a loss that Cory is not able to be a daddy on earth for Langley, but so thankful, amazed, and happy that Bill has stepped into this role as dad, without replacing Cory in our lives. I don't think there are many people in this world who could do that so lovingly.