Every morning, he puts those three pennies in his pocket, so that he is reminded of them throughout the day. He does it every day. Most days, he remembers to empty his pockets before he throws them in the laundry. Occasionally, he forgets, and then I am reminded of how he prioritizes our girls. Every day.
When he gets dressed for work in the morning, he thinks about the three girls that he is working to support and provide for. Throughout his day, he can reach into his pocket and remember the three girls at home (or in school) that give his work meaning. After work, he usually picks them up from school and makes them dinner, especially lately, since I went back to work full-time in January. Every day, he checks in with his three girls to see how they're doing, if they need anything, and to encourage them. He frequently tells them how proud he is of them, and how much he loves them and enjoys being with them.
I could not be prouder of the dad that Steve is to our three girls. Every time I find those pennies in the laundry, I'm so pleased and proud of his intentional care, love, protection and provision for our girls. I'm so grateful that he has worked as the primary financial provider for the past 17 years, so I could stay home with them and take them to Community Bible Study and volunteer in their classrooms. I love that he has taken an interest in the things that they are interested in, from watching TV programs like Orphan Black with Katie, to taking Ellen shopping at Target, to watching Sadie perform in plays.
We don't know how our girls will turn out, ultimately - that's still in their hands, and in God's. But I'm grateful this weekend for a husband who won't hand them an easy reason to make bad choices. Who loves these girls fiercely. Who will provide an appropriately intimidating figure for a prospective boyfriend, but with a marshmallow center when it comes to his girls. And thank you for your three penny reminder every day that keeps those girls in mind.
In short, Happy Father's Day, Steve. We love you.