Happy Father’s Day to all of you Dads out there! It truly is an honor. Sometimes, you just don’t think you are always doing a good job. Life gets in the way, and you try to go with the flow, but something always has to give. My kids now are old enough to realize this more now, but I am sure it was tougher as they were growing up when both of their parents were doctors. There were always obligations, patients, call, responsibilities in clinic. There was not a lot of spare time. We tried to make up for it as best we could. There were many times when one of us was in charge while the other was on call. When they were older and many activities going on, we split that many times. We could not possibly make it to everything, so we divided and conquered. We tried our best to make it work.
We got to see Nick and Hannah last weekend in the twin cities. We made it an extended weekend to spend with them as Nick’s birthday was coming on the 11th, so we could spend some time with them. We went to Chanhassen Dinner Theatre one night and saw Grease, and then on Saturday we went and saw a twins game. They ended up losing, but it was at least a close game!
We all had our twins gear on and got to spend a really nice day at the game. There are lots of things to do in the cities, but it is very busy, and we were still glad to get home and we were ready to get to a slower pace, and just get back to our regular routine. The trail system in the cities is amazing. They do an awesome job maintaining their trail system, and of course we were on it every day with Nick for a run.
We are going to be having a weekend coming up soon to spend with the grandkids. It is always a fun weekend, but we are wiped out afterwards. It is worth it. We talk to them a few times a week with facetime, and it is just amazing how fast they grow up. The talking, laughing that goes on. It just makes me smile!
I am proud to be a Dad to my kids. A previous partner of mine in clinic, Dr. Tracy, always told me that when your kids are little, the problems are little. When they are big, the problems are big. There are always struggles in life to deal with. We are a family, and they all have their spouse/family now. I will still always be Dad, and Sarah will always be Mom. We just keep reminding our kids we are always there for them…and that includes our inherited son in laws, and daughter in law. They are now our kids too. To all of you out there with your kids already out of the house, and married, on their own, you know what I mean. And then you just wait for the grandkids to come. They are like getting to be a parent again, only much more fun, and not nearly the responsibility as we had with our kids. That is what made it tough. We were responsible for how they grew up. We tried to teach them the difference between right and wrong. To treat people like they would want to be treated. You just hope they know we did the best we could at the time. And if we didn’t, we hopefully have time now to make up for it. Your mom and love you all more than words can say. We are here for you. We will still help with your struggles and questions for as long as we are able. So, to all you Dad’s out there, and this goes for all you “Dad’s” who are Dads to someone else…nieces, nephews, pets…you are special, and you are appreciated, and needed. Happy Father’s Day to you all! Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day of newest streak: # 472