It was five years ago this Father's Day that Jen found out she was pregnant with Emma. At the time it was an ironic day -- given it was Father's Day -- and a scary day -- given I had no idea how to be a father. Now I can look back on it as one of the best days of my life. Little did I know that Emma would be one of two gifts Jen would leave me before she left this world behind. I spent a great day with my two beautiful girls today, this Father's Day Eve. It was as if they knew what was on my mind and did everything in their power to make me laugh, talk about mommy, and just have a good time. As I've said before, I am a lucky man to have had Jen for what little time I did and I am a lucky father to have Emma and Peighton for the rest of my life.
Enjoy your Father's Day dads.
I truly hope your Father's Day is a wonderful one. You are one in a million and those beautiful girls are so blessed to have you. I check the website all the time but hardly comment but tonight on this Father's Day eve and with my four kids in bed I thought of you. I am sure Jen is smiling down at you and what all you have done, its more than most can imagine I am sure!!! God Bless you and your precious girls, I pray for you all the time!!!
Posted by: melissa | June 16, 2007 at 10:23 PM
Chris,
Happy Father's Day! Your girls are so blessed to have such an amazing father and role model. I hope that you continue to have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the time with your beautiful girls. You are all always in my thoughts & prayers.
Jennifer
Posted by: Jennifer Teegarden MD | June 16, 2007 at 10:25 PM
Chris, as I was driving home from work this morning I was thinking about Father's Day and how lucky I was to have such a loving dad. At that point 'Tough' came over the radio and directed my thoughts toward you. It's hard for any of us to fathom the tremendous task you have of raising two precious girls on on your own, however, you make it look easy. The Lord knew what he was doing when he brought you and Jen together. He knew you would be the parent the girls needed to get them through life without their mommy. Chris, I know you say your soul seems as if it may have been knocked off course, but know that it's the same soul that so many of us look to for strength, wisdom, and guidance to get through our everyday lives. On this Father's Day I want you to know that you are an inspiration to all dad's and dad's of the future. Happy Father's Day.
Your bro,
D
Posted by: Dustin Ireland | June 17, 2007 at 07:50 AM
Dear Chris,
Our good and loving God definitely had a plan in mind when you and Jen met. Jen's excitement and sparkle in those very blue, gorgeous eyes lit up when she told me about meeting you. She vowed to love you until the end of time, and she fulfilled that promise. God blessed you both with Emma and Peighton. They will always be a constant reminder of the love Jen had for you. They are your ultimate Father's Day gifts from Jen. No two little girls love their daddy more than E and P. How fortunate they are to have you in their lives. With your guidance and love, they will grow into beautiful, confidante women. Of course, you'll not be alone in this journey. You'll have family and friends by your side for whatever and whenever we are needed.
Happy Father's Day to the best son-in-law in the world! (of course, you're my only son-in-law...hah)
I love you Chris,
Jan
Posted by: Jan Velander | June 17, 2007 at 11:23 AM
I hope you have the best Father's Day ever! You deserve it. You have such a beautiful family :)
Posted by: Jennifer | June 17, 2007 at 12:38 PM
Chris, this post (along with Jan's comment) has touched my heart beyond words. Thank you both for sharing your journeys with us all.
Posted by: claire | June 17, 2007 at 01:14 PM
Chris,
I have not commented in a while, but I still enjoy reading your blogs and checking in on you. I hope you and the girls have enjoyed a fabulous day together. I continue to keep your family in my prayers and know that it is not an easy road you are on. Hope to see you soon!
Andrea
Posted by: Andrea Toney | June 17, 2007 at 08:05 PM
Hey Chris, I just realized, I have never commented on your blog, only emailed you directly. I am glad you had a great time with your girls. I am sorry we had to cancel our play date. We look forward to doing it soon when Ella is all better.
You are truly an amazing person. I don't know that I am saying anything that everyone else hasn't said. I can't imagine what your life has been like these past several months. But I know that God has a plan and we have to trust that he (or she,hehe) knows what he is doing. I believe he brought our families together as well. I thank him for that! Just keep loving those girls like you do. They are so lucky to have you as their father. We will see you soon. shawndra
Posted by: Shawndra | June 17, 2007 at 09:44 PM
Chris,
Jan speaks so highly of you. She is very proud to have you as a son-in-law. You are doing a great job with the girls (and Jan).
Emma and Peighton,
One day you will truly treasure all of the memories and comments that have been created in this blog. I know your daddy thinks that you are AMAZING little girls.
Enjoy the special keepsake your daddy is creating for you.
Happy Father's Day!
Jeanne
Posted by: Jeanne | June 17, 2007 at 10:28 PM
Chris,
I have not posted a comment for a while, but continue to think about you and the girls daily! Thank you for continuing to share your lives with all of us! I hope you had a GREAT Father's Day!!
Take Care! :)
Evelyn
Posted by: Evelyn | June 17, 2007 at 11:40 PM
What a special day for you Chris. I am glad to hear you had a wonderful weekend! Those girls are just as precious as can be and are very lucky to have you as their Dad. Jen gave you two very special gifts and those girls will bring you so much joy, as they already do. I know she is so very proud watching over you and will always be with you! I pray for love, strength, courage and peace in all your lives! You are in my thoughts and prayers daily. Enjoy your week! Happy Father's Day Chris!!!! You are one GREAT dad!!!
Posted by: Becky | June 18, 2007 at 09:14 AM
Chris,
You really have a way with words. Your girls are precious. Jen couldn't have asked for a better father for her girls. Again, thank you for sharing your lives with us. Hope you have a great week!
Posted by: Crystal | June 18, 2007 at 11:35 AM
I haven't posted in quite awhile, since before Jen joined our Heavenly Father. Maybe it's because I know it'll bring tears to my eyes to sit and think about the memories I've shared with her and the pain and grief you are going through Chris. But, I did want to say happy Father's Day to you Chris. You are an amazing father, so loving and caring. I remember Cary talking about how you can tell when a child has been raised in a loving home and Emma was one of those children...that was because of you and Jen. Now it's because of your continued love, strength, and guidance with them throughout the past 4 and a half months. You are doing an amazing job with Emma and Peighton. When you feel lost, turn to God, He is the way back. He will help you through every obstacle, every rocky road in life. I love you Chris.
Steph
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
Posted by: Stephanie Hunt | June 18, 2007 at 11:40 PM
Dear Chris, I haven't posted for a while either. I just wanted you to know that even at the tender (!) age of 41, I am still my Daddy's "Little Girl" and the bond that exists between us is an incredible one. He is not just my Father, he is my Daddy and my very best friend and I love him more and more every passing day. I just know that your precious angels will always feel safe and secure in your presence and in the knowledge of your love for them. Muh love, Dawn xx
Posted by: Dawn | June 19, 2007 at 02:30 PM
dear chris, just wanted to let you know that we are thinking about you and your girls, today and everyday. love, frank,gail and madeline
Posted by: gail jones | June 20, 2007 at 07:05 AM