Today is Father's Day and obviously my Father is someone I absolutely Love, Admire and Adore. In fact as many know and may often tease me about My Father and I share a very special bond, I think that perhaps this is tied to the fact that I was Born June 15th 1980, which happened to also be Father's Day that year! Daddy, as I am told was expecting a boy, however what he got was of course an AWESOME AWESOME, Daughter...Just Kidding I will be modest and leave it at simply, ME! I am not sure if he was disappointed or not you would have to ask him, but what I will say is that although I didn't enter into this world with perhaps the expected anatomy, I did always love most things boys would have. For example, I begged and begged and begged for a BYU football for Christmas one year. I played on various little league, and basketball teams. Loved to go camping and fishing and never minded wearing jersey's over dresses. So whether it was on that day back in 1980 or not I think by now he has been slightly amused with how different I am. Daddy always encouraged me to be myself, to act how I wanted, Play the sports that I wanted, dress how I wanted (mostly a lot of basketball shorts and NO FEAR T-Shirts) but what he did without realizing it was he gave me the confidence to be ME. He taught me to love who I am and to love those for who they are and not for who others think they should be. This is a natural gift Daddy has, to love others and make them feel so special, relevant and important, Which brings me to my next point. Although my Family teases me and often refers to me as "The Favorite" I assure them I am not, Daddy has never admitted to that and I would be remiss if I didn't do the same, because what I would be doing is limiting the JOY and Experiences Daddy is entitled to has as the Father of Five Children and the "World's Greatest Dad!!!" I am sure you have all seen the T-shirts, Hats and Mugs that dawn this slogan, it is copyrighted and we as the Wintle Family do appreciate your many donations and years of support by continuing to purchase our merchandise and wearing our clothes. It is very kind and gracious of you to agree that our DAD Won this contest a long time ago!!!
Anyway back to what I was saying. All Five of us are so different and each play a unique role in Daddy's life, and especially since Daddy's Diagnosis. Each of my Siblings have come to spend time with him in various ways, helping ease the burden of his heavy load and their strengths have been needed. I have watched as each have done different things to help Daddy through this experience, He has been to Yankee's Games, Camping, Fishing, Hiking and Golfing! He has been able to have Sleepovers with "Ariel," "Cinderella" and "Ursula!" And has even been able to spend time in the Garden with Timothy Green. In these past few months I have seen each of my siblings step up and contribute to Daddy's well being in one way or another but what has been the coolest thing to see and what I have come to recognize is that these roles have always been who they are in their relationship with Daddy and how they have always helped him.
Jared-
Jared is the Oldest and most like Daddy. They have the same features, Sense of Humor and parenting skills. They read the same books, watch the same movies, they really are like two peas in a pod, they are "Best Friends." Jared calls Daddy for anything, but Daddy calls Jared for everything. If Daddy needs help with anything around the house, Jared has to do it (unless its tiling then its Chris). If Daddy wants to go Fishing, Hunting, Hiking, or Camping, he wants to go with Jared. Jared is the one Daddy would call for a sleepover if grown men did that; Jared is the one Daddy wants to spend time with for no other reason than just to hang out. I think he confides in Jared a lot of his Fears or Concerns. I am sure there are secrets they share and memories they have created together that none of us know about, but will last forever defying the elements of time. Jared's very presence makes Daddy happy. He is Pal and confidant, he is his Best Friend
Mindie-
Mindie is Daddy's Comic Relief; I hope she understands how important this role is, especially now. She has always been the funny one in every group, but especially in our Family. Daddy often laughs and shakes his head at things she says and does, but she can make him laugh, smile and forget any circumstance he is facing. Her humor and playfulness is a distraction for him and stories he shares about her and the funny things she does are endless, yet somehow are still things that for some reason surprise him. He admires her creativity and ability to capture the attention of so many. She is always the center of attention, providing a much needed break from the weary thoughts walking about in Daddy's Mind. When Mindie is around his cup is full, his outlook is positive, and life feels simple again. It is fun, full of laughter, and something worth fighting for, that's what Mindie is for Daddy, She is his Fun!
Chris
"Stoph" ( a nickname I believe he received because when he would skip school the automated recording from the school would say Chris-"Stoph" was not in class, instead of Christopher, so "Stoph" was born) is Daddy's Hero. Seriously, if you heard Daddy describe Stoph's many talents, but especially his athletic ability, you would think he could fly...You would also most likely think, he was a "Super-Hero." In fact I firmly believe Daddy thinks he is. Daddy worships Chris and his many gift's and abilities. I think it is something he has always envied yet something that has allowed Daddy to vicariously experience the excitement of championships, last second shots, home-runs, and Fly Balls in the "HOLE." When Daddy tells these stories you can almost see Chris soaring through the air and you don't have to pretend or even imagine to hear Daddy singing "JOYRIDE" (by 90's band "Roxette,") when describing Chris up at the plate because he will sing it for you and then you may begin to understand how it is that "JOYRIDE" = A Home run!!! He has derived so much pleasure from watching Chris compete in anything, and he still does. Daddy still goes to watch Stoph and cheer him on (not sure if he gets kicked out of these games or not but that did happen quite frequently...poor Mom). The Pride found in Daddy's expressions and the excitement heard in his voice when he talks about Chris is something I would imagine most Son's would envy Christopher for and displays the sense of accomplishment and pride that most Dad's hope to experience as a Father.
Sarah
Noelle (This is her middle name, she was born 2 days before Christmas, need I say more!) is the baby, and exhumes everything sweet and precious in this world for Daddy. She is beautiful, sweet and tender very much like our Mother, in fact when Daddy speaks about Sarah he often uses the same words he uses when describing my Mother and I don't think that is an accident. When Sarah walks into a room the adoration he has for her is very visible, from the look in his eyes, to the tone of voice he uses when speaking to her. Sarah truly is his baby. She is to him, a gift from the heavens and the "Princess" so many Father's often refer to as having. I would dare say she is his reward for making it through all the rest of us. One of his most Cherished Gifts.
So all of us are Daddy's Favorite Something. We all add to his title of "Father" which makes a day like to today well worth celebrating because we each add something a little different, but love him all the same and bring to him what they have always brought to him, love, adoration and happiness. All something any Father deserves to feel, but especially Ours and Especially Today!!! We Love You- Happy Father's Day!!!
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