When I was growing up I remember a show called My Two Dads. The premise of the show is that a mom leaves her teen-age daughter, Nicole, in the custody of a father (two actually) she has
never met (both were the mom's former boyfriends); - Michael, a formal man;
and Joey, a wild artist. Together, they provided a unique balance of parenting.
Though I did have a mom in my life (unlike Nicole), as did Chris, we did have lives that were shaped and impacted my "Our Two Dads."
AMBER'S:
Eric, Amber's Dad #1, shaped my life in physical ways (because of biology and DNA). I didn't know him, but always longed for him as a young girl. I wanted the protection, doting love, and care that a father provides (that a mother just can't quite do). He loves to kayak, be outdoors, and throw things when he is mad. Having only seen him in person less than a hand-full of times, he still was able to pass on those traits. I am thankful for him. I would not be who I am without him.
Tom, Amber's Dad #2, shaped my life in physical ways (because of how he took care of my mom and I) and much more in way that shaped my character. The picture above was from the conference where he and my mom met. He married her less than a year later and has been a committed husband, father, and now grandfather ("Papa") ever since. He taught me to over-plan every event/trip, make lists, do things the best they can be done, follow a recipe, and passed on a "quick" (dry..."odd-ball" as Chris so eloquently describes it) sense of humor. He was there to be my Dad when I didn't want a dad to tell me what to do or hold me to a curfew. I am so thankful for him. I would not be who I am without him.
CHRISTOPHER'S:
Rick, Chris' Dad #1 gave life to me knowing how hard it is bringing a child into this world. He taught me how to tell a good story (or even make a not so good story great), gave me an entrepreneurial spirit by running Subways to best of the ability that God gave him, start a task and finish it with accuracy and speed, and how to lead by example, not snubbing his nose at the little tasks. I would be half the man I am now if it wouldn't have been for his leadership. I love him with everything God has given me. I would not be who I am without him.
Craig, Chris' Dad #2, took on a wife with two children selflessly. He taught me to open doors for women. He sought to serve everyone before himself, often times neglecting what he liked. He taught me not complain, always seeing the glass as
full (not just half full). He let me win at arm wrestling when I was young and when I was older, he used lots of ice for his shoulder when I beat him (mind you, he never complained and only cried when no one saw him). Above all else, he modeled compassion and giving everyone the benefit of the doubt. I would be half the man I am today if weren't for his tutelage and example. I love him so much, no words will ever convey my complete thoughts. I would not be who I am without him.
