When I was a child, I remember spending a lot of time playing with my father.  Most of our playtime seemed to revolve around wraslin’ (that’s wrestling for those who are not from the deep south).  We would wrestle in the living room with mom worried that one of her boys were going to get hurt.  Most of the time she was right, but that never stopped me or my brother from running back for more.  

 

It was in those encounters the deep and lasting  bonds between a father and son were formed.  I would grab his neck and wrap my legs around his chest and try to bring him to the ground.  He would fall to the ground and I would yelp from the blow.  It could last for hours.  When we would finish this horse play and tom-foolery, out the door we would go.  It was off to some adventure or ramp that needed jumping.  We lived a fun and blessed life.

 

I always loved playing with my dad.  He was always ready to lend a body for whatever adventure we wanted to have.  He was always there ready to play and ready to be with me and my brother.

 

In September of 2007 I became a father.  When Eli was born, my life changed in such wonderful ways.  I get to change poopy diapers, clean up spit-up and change dirty sheets and clothes.  I get to take out the dirty diaper bin and make sure all the necessary paraphernalia is in the van whenever we go anywhere.

 

I also get to get slobbery kisses and squelching laughs when I hold him and love on him.  I get cheerful coos and giggles as he knocks down the blocks we are playing with on the floor.  I hear screams of elation when I tickle his belly.  Pure joy.

 

And then it hit me!  As I was holding my son, basking in the joy that he is giving me, I realized how my dad must have felt when we played together.  I only thought I was getting joy.  I only thought that I was having a good time.  I only thought that the excitement and pleasure was mine.  But it was his too.

 

My father loves me so much!  I know this is true!  I’ve known it since I was a little boy.  But I never realized that he loved me as much as he does.  He has told me for years that he loves me.  He gives a hug and a kiss every time I see him.  But to be a Father and to experience the joy and excitement of watching your own son experience new things, to enjoy your company, to laugh at your jokes and stories is love more true and deep than “I love you” can accurately express.

 

So dad, with as much depth and heartfelt expression as I can muster, I LOVE YOU!