“Guess what I got you, Daddy!” my daughter urged her father as she handed him a gift bag. “A puppy!?” he asked jokingly. Quinn then laughed saying, “No, it’s not a puppy, silly daddy!” My husband looked inside the bag and pulled out a picture cube with each side displaying photos of him and his special girl. After thanking her and getting a big hug, she excitedly presented him with a cake from his favorite bakery for father’s day. “No cake for breakfast though, Daddy!” she told him as his eyes lit up eager to get a slice.

Beyond favoring each other, my husband and daughter have such a special bond and genuinely enjoy each other’s company. I am grateful that my husband is physically, emotionally and intellectually present as a father. He loves playing games, reading stories or just watching cartoons with our daughter. He doesn’t mind answering her many questions, having tea parties and an endless range of activities with her. There is no doubt that he makes her feel special and loved.

Seeing how happy they both make each other makes me that much more happy. I am grateful for the closeness and love within our family. On this father’s day, I hope my husband feels a little more love and a little more appreciation because he absolutely deserves it.

Here’s to all of the stand-up, wonderful fathers around the world.

All the best,

Tanya