The Giving Tree

Father's Day this year was a little tricky.  I had committed to going out of town for a girl's weekend/bachelorette party in South Haven with friends that I hadn't seen since my wedding in '09.  Scott said he was fine with that and he would take Sean up north for the weekend.  So, I figured we had better celebrate Father's Day the weekend before.

I racked my brain for weeks in advance debating on what to get him this year.  I knew it needed to include something handmade from Sean, but Scott and I discussed buying each other gifts for Mother's and Father's days this year and decided it should be something for the house since we're still fixing it up.

And then it hit me.

Scott is the type of husband and father who gives and gives and gives until it seems like all he does are things for the family or house and not much for himself.  And it reminded me of the story, The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein.  And suddenly everything fell into place.

We needed a new tree for the front yard and I thought what better gift, then to give Scott "The Giving Tree" as a daily reminder of how much he sacrifices of himself for our family.  Even better, it could be something that we take a picture of Sean and Evan next to each year on Father's Day to show how much they've grown compared to the new tree.

 

So, Sean gave him his handprint inside of Scott's in Tiger's colors, as well as a mini watering can and The Giving Tree book so Scott can read the book to Sean periodically.

 And I gave Scott a Japanese Maple tree since we had one at our old house that he loved.

Scott and Sean made me the stepping stones from scatch for Mother's Day

For the man who gives and gives and gives until he feels like he has nothing left to give, and yet still finds something to give.   As another year goes by and our family continues to grow, I’m constantly reminded of how much you provide for our family and how much you give of yourself to us.  I hope that you can instill these traits in Sean and Evan over the years, but until then, this tree can be our “Giving Tree” as a testament to all that you do as a father and husband.  Happy Father’s Day, Scott!  We love you!