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Hey Dad,

Just heard on the radio that today is the autumnal equinox (the first day of fall). Not important enough to throw a party, but it is one of two days that you can stand an egg on end. After I'm through writing this, I may go up and test it out with the kids because it's important for dads to do that kind of stuff.

It's funny … we dads have trouble remembering what's important.

A couple of days ago I had an appointment with one of the most influential Christian leaders in the country. To meet with him, my wife and I had to fly out of state for a quick overnight (not a bad perk).

Abe (age 4) and Ike (age 6) were pretty weepy the day before we left because we were going to be "gone." Actually it was a little annoying after a while, and I found myself comforting less and snapping more.

"We'll only be gone for ONE night … you'll have fun with Grandma … it's not that long … STOP IT!" I responded.

It didn't work and the tears came in waves during the day and into the night. The final straw came at 2 a.m. Ike stumbled into our room crying, and I escorted him back to his room and lay next to his bed until he drifted off.

An hour later, our bedroom door opened and the light from the bathroom spilled in. It was Ike—again.

I expected more tears but none came. Instead a little voice whispered, "I love you, Dad."

"I love you, Ike," I answered using great self-control for 3 a.m.

"I love you more," he added and then closed the door.

The next day on the airplane I was rehearsing the meeting I was about to have with the Big Guy. I was excited, nervous, and pumped about the importance of this meeting … then I heard a small, gentle voice that said, "I love you more." It was Ike, and I replayed the nighttime exchange over in my head.

I realized then that what had taken place in the middle of the night was infinitely more significant and important than what was going to take place later in the day. It always has been and always will be, whether I remember it or not.

The truth is, Dad, the most important matters of your day today have little to do with the work you do, the people you'd like to impress, and your lifetime achievement plan. What matters are the boys and girls who call you "Daddy."

Don't forget that … ever.

You 'da dad!

PS: To read a scientific article on standing an egg on end by a guy who has way too much time on his hands, go to http://familymanweb.com/dadzine.htm

© Copyright 2005 Todd Wilson. Used by permission.

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