HERE’S TO THE GOOD GUYS

After a panicked search, I found him, carefully counting out his change at the check-out. 


“Daddy?” was the simple plea from a three-year-old to a young man of twenty-six, my hero when the world felt too big.


He looked down tenderly, not fully understanding my plight until he saw my white tights turn yellow and form a puddle of shame at his feet.


I should have known better, but I received no scolding, no reminder to try harder. 


Instead, he mopped up the mess with a borrowed rag, then swooped me away from the curious eyes and tsking tongues to the safety of his Buick, where he gently removed failure and restored my dignity.


Mommy’s list of errands would take much longer than he planned with me in tow; he would have to miss the football game on TV that afternoon.


“Ready, Princess?” his smiling eyes asked in the rearview mirror.


Then, set the car in drive to our next adventure.

*****

The jangle of keys in the door shook me out of a new mommy stupor. The sun had set, but not the table. It had been a long day for us all.


My husband entered soundlessly. His eyes took in the scene and his mouth formed a 'hello.' 


In one seamless move, he bent to kiss both our heads and slipped his arms under mine, taking on the next responsibility.


He motioned me to bed, taking another night shift. I nodded, too tired to protest.


Hours later, I awoke in shameful luxury and rushed back to my post.


Blinds were pulled, but the early morning threw its rays across the scene before me. Long legs sprawled awkwardly over the small couch, a large frame enveloping a small one. 


I hated to wake him, but...


Heavy eyes flew open and met mine the moment I touched his shoulder. He checked his watch, and I saw him inhale all the things before him.


My husband then placed his whole world back into my arms and slipped out the door, leaving us with so much more than he took - a posture he assumed for the rest of his life.

*****

Two snapshots forever framed in my heart.


Two men that laid down their young man dreams to pick up the mantle of family.


God's album is bursting full of them this Father’s Day.


May the Lord forever sustain you to carry the ones you love.

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MOST VALUABLE PRESENCE