Happy Father's Day, sons.

When my little boys were born I found it a bit challenging to choose a name for them. They were so tiny and soft and sweet. I wanted to name them, "Itty bitty snookems." It took faith and imagination to believe that they were going to be men and needed manly names. After realizing that, I chose Daniel, and Brandon, and Nathan, and Aaron, and Jacob, and Andrew, and Gabriel. As luck would have it the wittle cutie sweeties grew into strong men with the perfect names for them.

Their little chubby cheeks have given way to chiseled strong jaws. Their pipe cleaner arms are now muscular and their penchant for running crazy making sure they are having fun this minute has evolved into planning and preparing for the future.

This is a huge relief for a mother. I have spent some serious anxiety sessions worrying over who would marry a guy who didn't change his socks, or a guy who left bags of bagels (after seminary breakfast) to mold in the back of the car, or a guy who left every single possession in a trail like Hansel and Gretel, or a guy who wore the same shirt as often as he could, or a guy who didn't shower for days even though there was no shortage of sports in their life. But someone did marry them, not just any someone, some really fantastic someones.

The question, "What are you going to be when you grow up?" is very common. We ask it to start a conversation, but believe me, we're all concerned. It's cute when the kids are little and they say they're going to be an astronaut or a professional soccer player or a famous video game maker. But at some point it becomes, "No, seriously. How are you going to support your family?" But do you know what? It works out. These sweet little babies have gifts and desire and direction. Watching who they become when they grow up is actually very gratifying so look forward to it.

But the most enjoyable "Who they've become" game is watching them as fathers. These men who used to be boys have boys (and girl) of their own. They are looked up to, depended on and adored. They are leading their families in the directions they have chosen  to go. They are teaching their children about Star Wars, Legos, and more importantly, love and God. They are keeping them fed, clothed, housed, and safe. It's a grateful mother that watches her sons loving and being loved by a beautiful family. Happy Father's Day, Itty bitty cutie sweeties.

And this is my darling son-in-law who I wish I had known when he was an itty-bitty-cutie-sweetie, but at least I know him now. He takes wonderful care of my daughter and grandson and I'm very thankful to have him in our family.

And guess what else? Next Father's Day these sons will be fathers :) :) :) Happy Father's Day 2015!