To My Husband this Father’s Day

SteveKidsFathersDay2 (1)

You are my rock. You are the reason I’m able to manage all we have endured together.

You’ve never left my side no matter what the experience.

We are one month shy of our 5-year wedding anniversary, yet we’ve been through so much in just our first few years of marriage.

A conversion of faith that would eventually guide us in the midst of chaos. Hardship from having three kids in the NICU.

Countless surgeries, procedures, and doctor appointments for our three little ones. Diagnoses like autism, sensory processing disorder, tethered cord, and clubbed foot. Not to mention a rare genetic mutation that’d affect three people in our family of five.

You’ve seen me change from someone who’s fun and energetic to an exhausted and impatient mother of three.

Our life became a little more serious when we had three kids with special needs. I’m sure that hasn’t been easy for you.

You’ve seen me at my absolute worst. My battle with postpartum depression.

Seasons of what seemed like never-ending darkness. A low point after finding out I was the effected parent of the ZNF462 genetic mutation which impacts two of our kids and myself.

You supported me through it all.

When I sought out counseling for PPD you were there by my side. You gave me breaks when I needed them at the end of the day even after you had a long day at work. You helped me see the light.

Most importantly, you never accused me for our kid’s genetic diagnoses even after I blamed myself.

Despite the hardships, you have never ceased being a great husband and father. I will always remember your first Father’s Day.

When our first born Nicholas came home from the hospital after his 7-week NICU stay. You two have a beautiful relationship.

Your encouragement for me to go to school to get my CNA license so I could take care of Nicholas was courageous.

Your patience with our second son Daniel is admirable. Your unconditional love for him and willingness to do anything for him reminds me of the Father’s love for us.

You never give up on teaching him new things and how to be a good person.

Your father-daughter bond you have with Grace is so beautiful.

I love how you always want her to come to church with us instead of leaving her in the nursery with the boys. She’s definitely going to be a little Daddy’s Girl.

I absolutely love watching you take care of our children and how you’re so involved in their lives.

You know how to feed Nicholas and Grace with their feeding pump. When Daniel had a colostomy bag you knew how to empty and change it. We take turns with baths and bedtime.

You came with me to Nicholas’s evaluation when he was diagnosed with Autism.

You know their therapists and have been involved in their sessions. You were with me at Nicholas’s first two IEP meetings. You’ve gone to doctor appointments.

This Father’s Day I want to say thank you.

Thank you for taking care of our family. Thank you for working hard to provide for us.

Thank you for being such a great leader. Thank you for showing up and for wanting to be a good dad.

Everything you do is such a prime example for our kids. I know I don’t say it enough, but you are an amazing father and husband.

There isn’t anyone else I could go through this journey with.

Thank you for being my rock. Happy Father’s Day!

Written by, Kate Anderson 

Hi, I’m Kate Anderson. I live in Colorado with my husband and three kids. You can follow my blog at www.thisspecialjourney.com or find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thisspecialjourney or Instagram @thisspecialjourney1.

Interested in sharing a guest post? Click HERE to learn more.

Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our journey. You can also follow us on Facebook, subscribe for exclusive videos, and subscribe to our newsletter.

Avatar photo

Kate Swenson

Kate Swenson lives in Minnesota with her husband Jamie, and four children, Cooper, Sawyer, Harbor and Wynnie. Kate launched Finding Cooper's Voice from her couch while her now 11-year-old son Cooper was being diagnosed with autism. Back then it was a place to write. Today it is a living, thriving community of people who want to not only advocate for autism, but also make the world a better place for individuals with disabilities and their families. Her first book, Forever Boy, will be released, April 5, 2022.

Share this post: