The Two Best Men I Know: A Father’s Day Tribute

I’ve always been a daddy’s girl. A tomboy, too. While other girls were playing dress-up, I was handing over screwdrivers and crawling under the hood of a truck. If Dad had a project, I wanted in. Not because I had to, but because I loved it. Whether it was a home repair, a backyard build, or just brainstorming a better way to hang a shelf, we were a team. I recall one very traumatic project involving French doors...

We shared more than just tools and elbow grease. We bonded over movies (including my brother), especially Star Wars, historical fiction, and anything that landed somewhere between good and “so bad it’s good.” We’d critique scenes, predict plot twists, and quote our favorites on repeat. That shared love of storytelling left its mark on me. Maybe that’s part of why I write.

Another thing we’ve always done? A greeting card competition. For birthdays, holidays, heck, even random days, we try to outdo each other with the most heartfelt card. The goal: make the other person cry (in the best way). Some years, I win. Some years, he does. But we always leave those moments knowing we’re deeply understood and loved.

Dad and I both go out of our way to make the people around us feel content. It’s not about grand gestures, it’s about noticing the small things, being steady, and being present. We’ve always shared that mindset. That, and a love of animals. Through the years, we’ve raised and spoiled quite a few pets, but our current greyhounds have stolen the show lately. Let’s be honest: the greyhounds are probably running the household now. And we’re okay with that.

Then there’s Scott, my husband, my best friend, and the father of our kids (ours and stepkids).

Scott is the kind of man who brings calm to chaos. He’s attentive without being overbearing, sweet but never saccharine, and the most reasonable person I know. He takes things in stride. Doesn’t overreact. Doesn’t dwell. And while he’s not one to wear his heart on his sleeve, I don’t let him off the hook. I push for real conversations, for connection, for feeling, and he meets me there, even when it’s not easy and even when he just shares a word or two.

He’s deeply honest with me. Strong in his convictions. Never fake. And as a father, he’s fully present. He shows up for everything, big or small, with patience and humor. The kids know they can count on him. So do I.

Father's Day

We do almost everything together. Not out of habit, but by choice. From big goals to boring errands, we’re partners in all of it. Our dreams align. Our direction is shared. Life with Scott isn’t just a marriage, it’s a joint mission. And that makes this ordinary, everyday life feel like the dream of a lifetime.

So here’s to Dad and to Scott, the two best men I know.

Happy Father’s Day.

Now… who’s going to cry first?