There are two very important men in Amaya's life - her father (Luke) and her poppy (my father, Barry, pictured above with a family friend, Carole). Amaya absolutely adores both men. Often, I can be in the room, and if either one were to leave the room, Amaya starts crying and trying to follow them.
(Now is probably the best time to mention that this has brought me to tears on several occasions - I'm such a first-time mum. There is that little voice in my head that tells me my daughter doesn't love me as much as Luke or my dad. I'm only good for cleaning, washing clothes, feeding and night-time calls! Any advice from other mothers who have experienced such feelings would be greatly appreciated.)
Nonetheless, the Stevens family celebrated Father's Day on a recent glorious Sunday afternoon. And to anyone who has seen Luke in action as a father, you'd know that he is more than deserving of a celebratory day. Luke is an amazing father. He is hands-on, floor-on, nappy-on, playtime-on, cuddle-on, rough and tumble-on, feed-on, and all the other ons that come with being a parent (not so much the night-time call on!). Luke even works five days in four days so that he can spend each and every Friday with Amaya - most likely at the playground.
As for my own father, he is the best poppy Amaya could ever want. Every Tuesday he (and my mother) babysit Amaya. Poppy always takes Amaya for long walks with his dog, Jack. Poppy always walks and plays in the garden. Poppy always shares in a punnet of strawberries. Poppy even babysits Amaya on his own.
When I was a little girl, I always thought that I was going to marry my dad. I never understood that he was married to my mum. I never understood that he was to get older, and so was I, with our ages never equalling. He was the perfect prospect. And he never told me otherwise. Dad always let me dream my little dream. Ironically enough, one of my brothers always reminds me how much dad and Luke are alike.
I can only hope that Amaya sees, or will see, her own father in the same light because it's a warming and lovely dream to hold.
5 comments:
beautiful warm post Shan - I loved reading and catching up !
hope you are all well ?
tone xx
Recently, my lovely wife showed me how to celebrate Father's Day and my birthday properly, so I have now graduated to Birthday-on next year. A new and improved feature with the new model husband. Thankyou for the kind comments, but I must say, to me at least, you are the very best and amazing mum Amaya could wish for; she just doesn't know it yet!
oh, but i think that amaya does know how amazing you are, shan. it took theo a very long time to call or ask for me. he always said, "papa, papa!" and i thought that the day that he would reach for me and ask, "mama?" would never come. my very wise sister told me that it was because he knew he didn't need to cry nor want for me, because i am always there. you are amaya's mother. her constant. don't forget it.
I love those pictures. The one of Amaya and Luke is so sweet. What a pair. I agree with Emily and Luke - Amaya does know how amazing you are. You are her mother and while it may not seem like it now, she does need you very much. She is the confident little girl she is because she knows you'll be there for her. I still think about how Michael has this very special connection with his dad...but there are times for him, and they are special, when just a mother's comfort will do. You spend so much time seeing the wonderful things in other people, but don't forget to see the wonder in yourself. lots of love,
Shan, I loved reading your post about father's day. The picture of Luke and Amaya is adorable. When you think about your own childhood and what fun you had on such special occasions, isn't it wonderful to know that you and Luke are creating that for Amaya?
When it comes to wondering if Amaya has the same love for you as she does for Luke, never fear. I have seen Amaya adore you and the way she looks at you, shows you are a great mother.
As wonderful and as special as our fathers are to us, can you remember when you were younger or even recently(in my case) when something exciting or sad happens, who is one of the first people you want to tell? Your mother! She is a friend, a counsellor, a doctor, a fixer, a 'make it all better' person. So, always see these qualities in yourself.
Amaya is your daughter, and you are her mother........It does'nt get closer than that.
Jo. xxx
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