Happy Father’s Day

Happy Father's Day.

In January, we stood hand in hand,And said, "I do," with rings of gold.We dreamed of years we had ahead,Of stories waiting to be told.

We talked of road trips, late-night talks,Of movie marathons and lazy days.We planned adventures big and small,And pictured all our future ways.

We spoke of homes filled up with love,Of traditions we would someday start.We never knew that very soonA tiny life would fill our hearts.

Then came a moment neither of usCould ever truly put in words.Two little lines and everything changed,More beautiful than we'd ever heard.

I looked at you and watched you smile,Your eyes grew bright with happy tears.Somehow our future became real,And suddenly felt very near.

A tiny heartbeat, safe and small,Though we had not yet heard it beat,Already changed our world foreverAnd made our little family complete.

You put your hand upon my stomach,Though there was nothing there to see.You whispered softly to our child,Already speaking tenderly.

You wondered whose eyes they would have,Whose smile and laughter they would wear.You talked of all the things we'd doAnd all the love we'd have to share.

You dreamed of tiny hands in yours,Of first steps and bedtime stories too.Of teaching games and riding bikes,And every first we'd journey through.

And then we kept our little secret,A treasure only we both knew.The happiest secret we had ever held,A dream that had come true.

Our friends and family were so excited,Though they didn't know just yet.We smiled at each knowing glances,Protecting the secret we hadn't shared yet.

Even our Dungeons & Dragons nightsBecame part of this sweet surprise.Our baby joined every adventure,Though hidden from everyone's eyes.

The little one sat beside us all,As we rolled our dice and laughed with delight.And when our Dungeon Master asked a question,We hid our smiles throughout the night.

"Roll perception," someone jokingly said,As grins spread around the room.Could anyone discover our secret?Could anyone guess what would bloom?

But no one knew what we were holding,No one saw the truth we carried near.Only us and our tiny miracle,And all the joy we felt that year.

Then came the days we shared our news,Traveling miles with hearts so full.We drove to parents, siblings, friends,Our happiness impossible to dull.

We watched their faces change with wonder,Watched their eyes fill up with tears.We heard excited congratulationsAnd felt so loved and held so dear.

Every hug seemed just a little tighter,Every smile a little more bright.Our baby was already so deeply loved,Long before they came into sight.

I watched you become even softer,Gentler in all the things you'd do.Checking on me and making me rest,Always giving your very best, too.

People may say fatherhood startsWhen a baby is placed within your arms.But I believe it starts much sooner,In quiet hopes and loving charms.

It starts in whispered conversations,And plans made underneath the stars.It starts in dreams and anticipation,Long before the nursery and toys and cars.

It starts when a father imagines a faceAnd saves a permanent place in his heart.It starts when he loves someone not yet met,Before their life has even started.

Our little one doesn't know your voice today,Or the games you'll teach and songs you'll sing.They don't know your laugh or your gentle hands,Or the comfort your hugs will someday bring.

But they are already deeply adored,Already cherished beyond measure.Already prayed for and hoped for,Already our greatest treasure.

Someday they'll hear of this season,This beautiful chapter of waiting and dreams.They'll hear about dice and secret smiles,And sharing our joy in quiet scenes.

They'll know that before they opened their eyes,Their father was dreaming beneath January skies.They'll know that before they took their first breath,You loved them completely with all that you had left.

I cannot wait to watch you becomeThe father our little one will run to for fun.The one who will teach, encourage, and guide,Who will stand beside them with love and pride.

I cannot wait for your first embrace,For the tears of joy that will cross your face.For the moment your dreams and your child finally meet,And your heart discovers a love completely unique.

This may be your first Father's Day,And our baby is still on the way.But love has already shown us the truth—You've been a father since that beautiful day.

Happy Father's Day.