Father's Day 2014

Every day, Bruce makes Sam's breakfast. It always includes fresh fruit, usually a fruit salad. In fact, I put some grapes on Sam's dinner plate last night, and he objected, "Only grapes?" He is used to white glove service. Breakfast also includes yogurt, cereal, and, depending on availability, a baked good or breakfast meat. Bruce scrambles Sam an egg a few times a week, and then proceeds to harangue Sam thoroughly until he eats it. Because I insist, Bruce gives Sam a multi-vitamin every day, even though he doesn't believe in them and even though Sam complains about it unless it's the grape flavor. Then Bruce reads to Sam while he eats.

Every day Bruce ushers Sam through the morning routine: shoes on, teeth brushed, sunscreen on. It's sometimes more difficult and frustrating than it may sound. And Bruce does it every day, and then he takes Sam to school, usually by bike, which is Sam's preferred mode of transportation.

Bruce does a ton of other things for and with Sam, including but not limited to: lego construction; swim lessons; wrestling; indoor (!) and outdoor soccer; running; hiking; reprimanding; threatening; cajoling; carrying; cuddling. But it's the morning routine -- in all of its banality and consistency -- that to me reflects Bruce's commitment to this kid. Neither of them are usually at their best, and it is certainly not glamorous or always that fun. But Bruce does it because that's what he does. He's Sam's Dad. Every. Damn. Day.
This is new to me, seeing this side of fatherhood. Don't get me wrong, I grew up with a few amazing men in my life, who did wonderful things for me and for whom I'm very thankful. But seeing Bruce be a Dad to Sam is something that touches my heart every day and makes me so proud to be a part of this family. He is Sam's rock. That's important.

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In honor of Father's Day 2014, here is Sam's annual interview, answering a few questions about his Dad. Sam was totally not into it this year.