Two months ago I never dreamed that I’d have three kids this Father’s Day. I especially never imagined that one would not be with us and that one would be going on his 56th day of intensive care. Despite the great fun of having my family from Chicago here and enjoying a wonderful brunch with our dear friends, the brilliant Bobricks, I had a lot of wistful moments today and missed Oliver so much. But Charlie gave me the greatest Father’s Day present imaginable during my visits by never desatting or bradying once. His numbers were great (please join me in spitting three times) and he was so cute I’m afraid I must torment you with another video of today's festivities.
My heart goes out to all the fathers today who have lost a
child including several I’ve met through blogging. I send a special Father’s
Day greeting to all dads who have kids in a NICU or are dealing with any kind of
illness. I send best wishes to my brothers-in-law Jeff, Scott, and Laurent
who I know were all enjoying their children today. And, of course, lots of love to my father in Chicago. My dad never knew his own father and had few if
any decent male role models during his childhood. Yet somehow he became one of the kindest and most loving fathers
on the face of the earth. Clinically insane, but extremely kind and loving!
And since I only have about two minutes left until Father’s Day 2009 becomes a thing of the past, I will share with you my own memories of this poignant day.
Tomorrow we’ll be at the
first of three Wilco concerts at the beautiful Wiltern Theatre close to our
L.A. home. If any of you folks are there and happen to see me, please come over
and say hello!
Happy Father's Day to all!
Happy Father's Day to a man whom I have never had the privilege of meeting, yet I am utterly convinced embodies the very meaning of the word "Father" at its best.
Sending warm wishes for joy to you, Kendall and Leah, and heartfelt wishes for strength and healing to your precious little Charlie.
Best,
Elise
Posted by: Elise | June 22, 2009 at 01:28 AM
What a fabulous video! Poignant, loving, adorable, and humorous!
What a guy you are, Danny! What a family you are blessed to have! Congratulations on your Father's Day! Thanks so much for sharing it all with us.
Posted by: tamarika | June 22, 2009 at 03:29 AM
I was thinking about you yesterday and am glad that you had such a nice family visit with support from your Chicago family, too.
Posted by: Pam G | June 22, 2009 at 04:04 AM
He's getting so big! I love it when his eyes are open. So cute. I'm so glad you had a good day. Happy Belated Father's Day.
Posted by: Maria Sosa | June 22, 2009 at 05:14 AM
Happy Father's Day. Your children are super lucky to have you as a dad.
Posted by: Ana | June 22, 2009 at 06:24 AM
So much love in these videos - a privilege to be able to share in these. Tell Sue she looks particularly darling in these shots.
Posted by: Judy Sanford | June 22, 2009 at 06:28 AM
Danny,
Happy Father's Day! Your son is less than 2 two months old, and you have already been to hell and back with him. Your devotion to him is without equal.
You are a great father, and, with all he is going through, Charlie is lucky that he has you as his dad.
Best wishes, from one dad to another.
Andrew
Posted by: Andrew Forsythe | June 22, 2009 at 07:17 AM
I spit three times in your honor.
Happy Father's Day or belatedly so.
Posted by: gorillabuns | June 22, 2009 at 08:38 AM
Charlie's adorable, and so are you. Glad you had a good Father's Day, Danny.
Posted by: Richard Lawrence Cohen | June 22, 2009 at 09:17 AM
I'll be looking for you!
Posted by: Leightongirl | June 22, 2009 at 10:14 AM
I literally spit three times. :)
Happy Father's Day, Danny.
Wishing you a lifetime of Father's Days ahead, spent with both Leah and Charlie. My thoughts were with you, Kendall, and the kids, including Oliver, yesterday. I'm so cheered to read that the rollercoaster behaved and pray that trend continues.
Hugging you virtually,
Lori
Posted by: Lori Kirkland Baker | June 22, 2009 at 10:19 AM
May you be blessed to truly celebrate many more happy Father's Days in the coming years.
That baby loves to grip you, huh? Just doesn't want to let you go!
Posted by: Pearl | June 22, 2009 at 10:28 AM
You all looked so great in the video! Happy Father's Day, my friend, and thank you for keeping us up-to-date on both the highs and lows. If it's therapy for you, so much the better.
Posted by: Shari | June 22, 2009 at 11:37 AM
Happy Belated Father's Day!
This morning, these words popped into my head on the way to the subway..."Charlie says, love my good and plenty. Charlie says, nothing tastes so swell. Charlie says, love my good and plenty,???there's no other...??? and then i forgot the words...you must know them though? Sing it to Charlie one day for me ,please. I love the idea of a virtual hug. I send hugs to your family and everyone who writes their comments. Danny, just Write on. I'll read on. Thanks.
Posted by: Judy | June 22, 2009 at 02:50 PM
I don't know you or Charlie but found your blog recently, have been following for a week, have never spit 3 times but did today for you and yours,
Happy Father's Day
KAP Seattle
Posted by: Kristen Petersen | June 22, 2009 at 05:04 PM
Happy Father's Day! The love and commitment you give your children is beautiful.
Posted by: churlita | June 22, 2009 at 08:41 PM
Danny,
I'm glad you had a good father's day and are spending time with your Chicago family. I love the new video.
Love,
Julie
Posted by: Julie R. | June 22, 2009 at 08:58 PM
Danny, I was happy to read that you had a special Fathers Day yesterday.I also spent the day with my sister at my dads house in the old neighborhood and was thinking about you. Scott saw Sheila Linderman recently and he was asking about you. Charlie looks very active and seems to be getting better every time you post these great videos. Keep em' coming. Alan
Posted by: Alan Spector | June 22, 2009 at 09:58 PM
He's a teeny tiny bundle of wonder...and I swear he was making drummer hands there for a minute. Maybe now that Wilco's visiting, he's going from a love of jazz to rock and roll. :-)
These videos always make my heart soar. I love him so much and I heven't even met him. I can only imagine the love he'll inspire as he continues to grow.
Posted by: Jane | June 23, 2009 at 03:50 AM
It looks as if he's come though that terrible week even stronger. He looks like a baby! (He also looks like Kendall as well as you!) He moves like a baby! He opens his eyes and looks at you! He holds your hand!
Posted by: amba | June 23, 2009 at 07:38 PM
Wow. What a great video. Charlie looks so big and strong. Pretty soon he'll be arm wrestling you. (My money's on Charlie, no offense, Danny) Love you guys.
Posted by: Danusia | June 23, 2009 at 08:07 PM
hi danny - i found your blog through "the spohrs are multiplying" - i am so so so very sorry for your loss. i am thinking of you and sending all my positive thoughts to your beautiful little charlie. so many hugs to you and your family.
Posted by: tara | June 24, 2009 at 08:26 AM
I clicked over here from Heather's blog because I went to Wilco on Monday night (My husband's and my favorite band). I'd never read your blog before and I'm heartbroken over what you're dealing with but so many things you said were what I needed to hear today. Acceptance has been my main obsession as of late (although obsession and acceptance don't really go together do they?). I'm pulling for your sweet Charlie.
Posted by: Stefanie | June 25, 2009 at 01:08 PM
Mazel Tov! I can't imagine the joy in your hearts. Just looking at you and Kendall's face as you take him home is mind blowing.
Posted by: Claire Sharp | September 14, 2009 at 01:26 PM