Monday, June 21, 2010

He Is a Rock


This post begins our weeklong salute to fathers. We'd love to hear what you think about your dad or any other dad you know!

It also begins our first monthly book giveaway. To enter to win your copy of Photo, Snap, Shot, send us an email with your name and your postal address to killerhobbies@gmail.com The deadline is June 27, 2010.

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I dedicated Photo, Snap, Shot to my husband for many reasons, one of them being that David Slan is a terrific father. This scrapbook page captures the love my husband has--and has always had--for our son, Michael. See how David is reading Madeline to our son? Michael must have been less than nine months old! But oh, how he would kick his feet in excitement as David read to him.


From the moment Michael was born, David was enchanted by him. David rocked Michael for hours. He changed diapers. He fed Michael bottles. He put Michael to sleep. He went to him during the night. It's not that I was sitting idle. Since Michael had colic, there was more than enough work for the two of us! But I was lucky that David was such a great dad.


One memorable day when Michael was still an infant, David decided to give Michael a bath. I heard my husband "negotiating" with our son as he undressed him. These words drifted down to me as I walked down the stairs: "Look, Mike, these are the rules: No pooping, no peeing, and no crying. You got it, buddy?"


Mike was not feeling cooperative.


I made it to the landing when I heard, "Jo-ANN-A!" I ran back up to the bathroom. Michael was lying on the bathroom counter. David was holding both of the baby's heels high in the air and staring at a huge mess. All I could do was laugh--and help mop up.


If there's one thing that Michael could say about his dad, it would be, "He's always there for me." Everything stops for Michael. I'm not sure he fully realizes that, but it's true. My husband would gladly lay down his life for his son. David would do anything for Michael. Anything.


Now that Michael is almost 21, the two are closer than ever. They discuss sports. They watch movies together. They play golf and poker. David is teaching Michael to buy used pianos. They laugh together. They quarrel. They play music. Loud music. David does the keyboards and Michael plays guitar.

They love each other.

David is Michael's rock.

I think Michael is one lucky dude.

5 comments:

Dru said...

That's a nice tribute to both your husband and son.

Happy Father's Day!

Linda O. Johnston said...

Uour son and husband obviously have one great relationship, Joanna, and it's clearly fun to watch. Great post!

Betty Hechtman said...

It's great that your husband is such a caring father. No wonder they get along so well.

Camille Minichino said...

It must be very satisfying to witness such a relationship -- and be part of it!

Joanna Campbell Slan said...

I am very lucky that I married the right guy, and a man who is such a terrific dad. It's fun to watch the guys together...although I could live without all the sports TV...I couldn't live without them.