Daddy Time June 11, 2009

One of the best ways we can teach our children and make them feel special is by simply spending time with them. David makes Aidan feel special every time he includes him in a project or chore, which he does often. He loves teaching him about nature, sports and animals. Aidan, of course, adores his father and soaks up everything he says and does. David takes equal enjoyment in watching the world unfold before his three year old's eyes. The relationship between father and child is truly magical. No amount of money or toys could ever nurture the soul of a child the way that David is nurturing his son by washing the car with him or showing him a parakeet for the first time. I can't decide who is more in awe, Aidan playing with the parakeet or David seeing his son experience something for the first time. Do we have a future zoo keeper duo in our midst?

FISHING BUDDIES June 8, 2009

Doesn't this photo say it all? Both boys are absolutely gleaming with joy and pride. Patrick is an avid outdoors-man who is enjoying every moment of sharing and teaching Noah about his favorite hobbies. Noah is obviously ecstatic to be hanging with daddy in the great outdoors and catching some fish as a side note. I've heard about the famous basement at Noah's house. It's unfinished, full of daddy's gear and a perfect canvas for a child's imagination, learning and play. Patrick has some, shall we say, mementos from past successful hunting trips. Noah can now identify the deer, goose and antelope when asked. The brain and curiosity of a 14 month old are astounding. How wonderful that Patrick is sharing his love for his hobbies and knowledge with his little guy. I have a feeling that they have many a fishing trip in their future.

Red Crosier June 7, 2009

Clarence "Red" Crosier was his name. I'm sure you can guess where the nickname "Red" came from. Some of his red hair has trickled down the family tree. Although I never met my grandfather, I am reminded of him by those few highlights of red in my daughter's mostly blond hair. My father never had the opportunity to meet him either. My dad was only 6 months old when Red was killed in WWII. William was born while Red was fighting for his country. Sadly, he never made it home to meet his baby boy. My father was never as much as held in the arms of his dad. I have always found that particular fact to be heartbreaking, especially now that I am a mother. My father has been heartbroken and haunted by the loss of his father his entire life. He has made a point to know everything he possibly can about his heroic father. I don't doubt that when my dad is thinking about what kind of man, father and human being he wants to be that he thinks about his father and the kind of man he was. Although Red was not physically present for my father, he was and is a powerful and positive force in my father's life.

Tractor Pull June 6, 2007

Another daddy in my neighborhood owns an ATV (all terrain vehicle). He often takes his kids for little ride around the neighborhood in the wagon he attaches to the back of the ATV. I know his kids just LOVE this. What kid wouldn't? They especially had fun cruising the streets when we got an obscene amount of snow last winter.

President Daddy June 4, 2009

I love that President Obama had his girls jungle gym/swing set built within viewing distance from the Oval office.

PLAY BALL! June 3, 2009

We moved to our current house a little over a year ago. All of our neighbors came over to greet us and welcome us to the neighborhood. We were surprised and delighted by this seemingly outdated and rare gesture. Our across the street neighbor brought us cookies and then told us that she lives alone with her 7 year old son. She also told us not to be surprised if we see a certain vehicle and man at her house on a regular basis. This man, she explained, is the father of her son. A year later, I completely understand why she felt the need to explain his presence. This daddy is there all of the time. I am amazed at the efforts he takes to be a part of his son's life. This time of year we see them playing catch nightly in the front yard. They wash the car together, mow the lawn and put up Christmas lights. Even though this father does not technically live with his son, he is more a part of his life than not. Most mornings he comes over to accompany his son to his school just two blocks up the street. From my point of view as the across-the-street neighbor, this father clearly puts his son first and deserves to be DOD. He's not a bad baseball coach either!

DAVID GOLDMAN - June 2, 2009

I so hope that this man gets his son back tomorrow and that justice prevails. It is absurd and frightening that this situation was ever allowed to happen and then continue for nearly five years. Please read the full story below and keep both David and his son Sean in your thoughts and prayers. My heart goes out to this nine year old boy who was originally taken from his father when he was only four, who lost his mother in the last year and will now be moving back to a life which is now unfamiliar to him. I believe that this daddy loves his son fiercely and will dedicate every cell in his being to help him heal.

http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/news/nation/20090602_ap_njmantravelstobraziltoreclaimcustodyofson.html

Please also see David's web site dedicated to getting his son back.

http://bringseanhome.org/