On Father’s Day, the kids and I woke Mike up with breakfast in bed…well, technically, he woke up before we brought him breakfast. The linguiça Portuguese sausage we made him cooked up a little smokier than I expected, and we set off the smoke alarm! Sorry about that, Mikey! He was a good sport about it.
He was also a good sport about James and Rigby moving in on his breakfast.
After playing with the kids all morning, we headed to our traditional BBQ lunch.
During lunch, Uncle Kyle and Annabel drew the characters from Inside Out.
Uncle Kyle draws a mean Disgust.
After we ate, I handed Mike a gift bag. He was surprised, because he thought he’d opened all of his gifts at breakfast. Inside the bag was…an old Giants shirt of his. He was confused, so I said, “Surprise! We’re going to the Dodgers/Giants game now!” He was excited, and so were the kids, who found out about my plan when Mike did (only one of them can keep a secret).
Annabel and I had to take our regular picture with the giant bobblehead before we entered the stadium:
Upon entering the stadium, we headed immediately for the Top Deck, for two reasons: 1) The gift shop there has air conditioning; and 2) To get an awesome picture:
The kids were both great. It helped that it was an exciting game with lots of runs scored. We also keep them full of sugar:
James shocked us by not only sitting still, but actually watching the game. He kept clapping and cheering, even when it was incredibly loud in the stadium.
He’s a kid now, I can hardly take it.
The game didn’t go Mike’s way (sorry, not sorry), but as we walked to the car he told me that despite the loss, it was a great Father’s Day. I wanted him to have fun, but I also wanted him to know how much the kids and I love and appreciate him. We’re so lucky to have a dad like Mike, someone who is so selfless, loving, and devoted. We love him so much! Happy Father’s Day to the best dad in the world.
Debbie A-H says:
That picture of James sitting in the seat? OMG. So cute.
KimAZ says:
Family: you’re doin’ it right, Spohrs! I love your bobblehead picture. I bet that could be a series (hint)!
AuntieMip says:
Heather,
I have said this before, many times actually. I am a pediatric oncology nurse. I am also the surviving sibling of family who’s only son died after a battle with leukemia. It is a different loss than the one you and Mike experienced. But that is not what I want to say.
It is wonderful to see the joy and happiness you and Mike have fought so hard to achieve. I want to say, here in this space, so that others who might not understand will know, that sustaining a marriage and family after the death of a child is a near impossible task. Many, fifty percent or better fail. As I see and read the tone and quality of your blog change to the wonderfully normal days of being a family, I want to congratulate you on this success. No one ever get’s past or recovers from the death of a child. What they do is find a way to peacefully coexist with agony and joy. It appears as though you have done that and I am very happy for all of you. I look at your wonderful family photos and I know your beautiful Madeline Alice is missing. But her smile is in James and her exuberence In Annie. And she is so proud that you found your way back to joy!
I hope it is ok I shared this here. It is so important for families who have endured this deep loss to be encouraged. No matter how many years have gone by. Have a great summer!
Heather says:
Thank you so much for this comment! It means so much to me to hear this. Thank you.
Jolene says:
This comment…is everything. I am in tears. So beautifully said. And I couldn’t agree more.
Lisa says:
Why isn’t Mike wearing his Giants’ shirt? I love that he’s wearing a Dodger blue shirt. Go Dodgers!
Greis says:
I love that Mike is wearing Dodger Blue!!!
monsoonmiss says:
Happy Father’s Day, Mike! And wow, Annie is going to be so tall as an adult!