So I have been feeling like I’m the worlds worst dad (although I’m sure like many of you, my parents take that title) lately. Not because of neglect or because abuse. I’m very hands on with my kids, present and patient. I play with them endlessly until my body physically can’t move anymore. Hearing their laughs and giggles brings me more joy than anything else. I’ve been in a depressive/anxiety spell lately and have felt like I’m just failing and drowning across the board. Last night though, my heart burst because of my two knuckle heads. I walk through the door after work, and my oldest (4) tackles me as best he can and asks to climb me, I assist him in climbing Mount Dad. He he gets to where he’s eye level with me and gives me a HUGE hug and says in his “daddy, I love you big big! No more sad.” Obviously this got me right in the heart but the kill shot was my daughter (2.5) when I set my son down, my daughter comes over with her play kitchen stuff and says “I made happy soup.” Happy sobs. Very happy sobs. My wife knows I’ve been in it and as I’m sitting on the ground hugging my kids trying not to ugly cry in front of them, she knelt beside me and started crying as well. As strong as I can be, I’m a big ole softy for my wife and kids.