Father's Day

When I was sixteen, my Aunt Ruth gave me some of the most wonderful advice (solicited) about whom to marry. I remember sitting around the Stuck's breakfast table in Santa Domingo, Ecuador like it was yesterday (I was visiting my wonderful Aunts, Uncles and cousins in Ecuador for six weeks the summer of 1997—they all gave me the trip of a lifetime!). I asked my Aunt what I should look for in someone to marry and she paused for a moment and then answered, "I knew I could live with just about anyone, but I wanted to marry someone who would be kind and loving to our future children." (I'm sure she was more eloquent than I am able to reconstruct years later, but you get the gist!)

Many others contributed wise counsel on the road to marriage, but I never forgot Aunt Ruth's wisdom. It stuck with me.

Now, fast forward to my senior year in college. Aside from the fact that I was physically attracted to a boy named Matt Getz, perhaps the first quality about him that made me stop and think, "Hmm..." was his genuine kindness. I'll save our dating story for another time, but I've never regretted the decision to marry Matt for an instant, for this and many other reasons.

He has not disappointed. :) Today and every day, I'm grateful for a man who loves his son unconditionally; with the perfect balance of gentleness and firmness. I'm thankful for a father for our son who always has time for Jack, holds him, plays with him, introduces him to "good" music (Chris Thile), steps in when Mommy needs a break and often when she doesn't, sacrifices his own time and needs for the sake of his family, makes his son laugh uncontrollably, reads to him, tucks Jack in at nap and night-time, takes him to the park, the zoo, and for walks, takes Jack on grocery runs and errands, goes to doctor visits, gymnastics, makes up dozens of little inside jokes or games to play with Jack just between the two of them, and fosters a loving relationship with his wife (me!).

I'm challenged by my husband's ability to set loving boundaries with Jack. Matt consistently shows discernment in deciphering best courses of discipline all while meeting Jack's needs. I'm amazed by a husband who does dishes and scrubs kitchen floors or toilets just because he loves us. I'm grateful for Matt's wise perspective and long-term view of parenting, especially when I get stuck in the day-to-day difficulties. I lose track of the times Matt stays in the nursery with Jack (when necessary) so that I can go to church, or willingly takes Jack on a super early morning when 5:00 a.m. seemed to be the "right" time to get up. I think the first months of Jack's life especially, Matt changed more diapers than I did. He cleans up vomit in the middle of the night (not to be too graphic!), and prays for our son. Matt gives Jack freedom to be himself and yet gently pushes Jack to try new things. Most of all, Matt takes care of me (Jack's mommy), so that I have the freedom to be the best mommy I can to Jack.

My husband will probably be embarrassed by this post. I can't help myself. :) Matt, I'm privileged to co-parent our children with you. I'm constantly amazed by your thoughtfulness, care for us, and delight in your son. I'm blessed beyond measure to learn from you and with you about parenting and life. Happy Father's Day.