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I thought the day would never come that my husband would take our kiddos out on his own. {Not because he ever said that, but because if felt like for YEARS, I was stranded at home with babies, while my husband went to work, ran last minute quick errands, because it was just too much work to load up a baby and hit the road, and go with him.}
Now… the boys are getting older, and they’re able to just slip their boots on, and go out the door with “Dad.”
I realized it all “shifting,” when one morning while washing dishes, my husband came in to the kitchen,
How about I take the boys out to the drag strip today, to watch me run Dad’s car down the strip?
You see, my husband’s father was an AH-MAZING man. Quiet, God-loving, would do anything for ANYONE, type of man. A good father? No words to describe how incredibly loving of a father he was.
In 2010, ten days after we found out we were miraculously pregnant for the first time {after being told we would more than likely never be able to have children—but that’s a story for another day}, my husband’s father passed away of cancer.
With a simple trip to the doctor, to check out a few discomforts he was experiencing, we were then faced with the horrific, and dreaded news that he “Has cancer, and it doesn’t look good.” Within just days, my husbands best friend, father, and role model, went to be with Jesus.
The days of this father and son spending weekends together, at the drag strip, had ended.
A New Bond is Formed:
Really honey? You’re going to take your dads car out and run it?
“Yes, I think it would be good… and I want the boys there with me.”
Ok babe. Let’s get their shoes on.
{I’m going too, because I can’t miss this.}
Off we went. I had never seen my husbands face “light-up,” so much, than when he saw his two boys at the strip, spending time with him, taking part in something that he takes pride in, seeing the 2nd generation of boys and their dads, at the strip, in Grandpa’s car.
I then realized…
It’s not about the car. It’s not about the drag strip. It’s about the memory.
Dad was spoiled with love, with moments, with memories. That my friends, is what it is all about.
This Father’s Day, I want YOU to be able to share those special moments…
How you can Spoil Dad this Father’s Day
Create a memory with dad.
I can hear you now, “Oh yeah Jessica, easier said than done. I don’t even KNOW where to begin.”
Well don’t worry… I’m going to guide you with a step by step tutorial, that will fit almost any “dad.” 😉
An afternoon of Bonding:
1. Pile in the car and head to the store with the kiddos and Dad. Tell him that you have something special planned for the afternoon. Don’t forget your camera. (Or who am I kidding? You have a camera on your phone, and we ALWAYS have our phones!)
2. Head back home, and pull Dad’s truck/car out of the garage, getting it ready for a major detail. Surprise! It’s Carwash Day for Dad!!! (Now… depending on his preference, Dad may want to help, or dad may want to sit back and watch while relaxing in a lawn chair with a glass of sweet tea. Or a cocktail if you’re at my house. 😉
3. When the car cleaning adventure begins, make sure you grab that camera and capture those special moments of “dad,” helping lift the kiddo up, to reach the top of the car, or maybe those moments of one of the kiddos “accidentally,” squirting the other kiddos with the water hose. 😉
5. When it’s all done, now, when dad gets in his vehicle to head to work, he will not only be excited about the superb cleaning job 😉 , but he will also think about that moment that was spent with his kids, outside, away from the iphone, ipad, or tv.
My FAVORITE Part:
Take those images off of your camera from that special car washing afternoon, and print them off, putting them in to a picture frame for Dad. Give him this frame on Father’s Day, so he can always remember that special moment of his family taking time out of their lives, to do something for him, with him.
Don’t let this Father’s Day get away from you, without creating a memory.
Do you have a sweet moment to share about the dad in your life? I’d LOVE to hear it…
Nikki says
First, that is SUCH a touching story about continuing the tradition of going to the drag race track. It melted my heart. Second, I think making a memory by washing the car together is a wonderful idea. Car washing is a fun thing to do together anyway, so why not wash Dad’s car for him on his day?
Jessica says
Nikki you’re so sweet! Yes, you’re rught! It is so fun! Kids+water=fun! ☺️
David @ Spiced says
What an awesome day spent with Dad. You are indeed correct…these are the memories that will last a lifetime! I still remembering washing the car with my Dad when I was a kid. Thanks for sharing! #client
Jessica says
Aww, thank you so much David! You’re right.. it’s not the big presents that matter I don’t believe… it’s the memories! Thanks for dropping a note!